Hasta La Gadget!

No surprises here. GameStop, which announced its intentions to become a technology company earlier this spring, has officially selected Google’s Android OS for its upcoming tablet-based “certified gaming platform.” The video game retailer’s prexy Tony Bartel relayed the news to GamesIndustry.biz, and plans to sell the slate alongside offerings from industry heavyweights. The news comes on the heels of the company’s spring acquisition of developer Spawn Labs and Impulse, with a pre-production model design already selected for the tab. Expect the hardware to come pre-loaded with a handful of games, and to have a focus on an OnLive-like, cloud-based gaming platform. Consumers in Dallas were the first to get a hands-on with the beta device that should sport a custom designed inbuilt controller at launch. According to Bartel, “It’s hard to imagine how to stream a game – let’ say Modern Warfare 3 – onto a tablet and then play it with your finger.” The GameStop-made tab could also see third-party exclusives head to the platform, crafted with its controller interface in mind. Bartel made no mention of a release window, but it’s clear the company’s adapting to the industry’s digital download future. Hit up the source below for the full interview.

GameStop to bring Android-based gaming tablet to market originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So much for stereotypes, eh? The future of farming is being painted in a far different light here at NEXT Aarhus, where a team from the University of Southern Denmark brought in the largest Wiimote-controlled robot that we’ve ever seen. The heretofore unnamed beast (going by SUFFER ’11 for the time being) is a farming-centric machine that’s designed to take the load off of the landowners (while providing a bit of enjoyment all the while). Put simply, this modular bot can have various apparatuses swapped into its midsection — one pop-in attachment could pick potatoes, while another could disperse pesticide, for example. There’s even a module that’ll enable it to detect rows and plow down the obvious routes, making it that much easier for farmers of the next millennium to take time off. Of course, the standout feature from our perspective was the inbuilt Bluetooth and WiFi, which allowed the demonstrator to operate the ‘bot with a standard Wii remote. Per usual, the vid’s after the break.

Continue reading SUFFER ’11 farming robot plays a multitude of roles, takes commands via Wiimote (video)

SUFFER ’11 farming robot plays a multitude of roles, takes commands via Wiimote (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading N-Control’s Avenger for PS3 begins pre-sale, officially debuts November 8th

N-Control’s Avenger for PS3 begins pre-sale, officially debuts November 8th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Fanatec ClubSport is coming this winter to steer that fine line between desirable and ridiculous. The wheel rim can be quick-released from the all-metal, ultra-customizable base, allowing you to switch between a Formula style wheel (depicted), or GT, NASCAR and rally styles. Pricing will be equally hardcore: $450 (excluding taxes) for the base, plus between $150 and $300 for each rim, and an extra $200 if you want machined aluminum ClubSport pedals to match. Full demo in the video after the break.

Continue reading Fanatec’s ClubSport racing wheel is definitely not for Sunday drivers (video)

Fanatec’s ClubSport racing wheel is definitely not for Sunday drivers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is that regular ol’ Xbox 360 controller leaving you unfulfilled after a marathon session of Forza Motorsport 4? Don’t fret, Thrustmaster has announced the launch of its Ferrari 458 (F458) Italia Racing Wheel for Microsoft’s gaming console. The 11-inch wheel features a rubberized grip to stay comfy, built-in metal paddle shifters, a Manettino dial for mid-lap adjustments and progressive resistance to keep you on the straight and narrow. Not wanting to leave PS3 and PC racers in its dust, the company also revealed the TH8 RS gear shifter — which connects to the T500 RS or the outfit’s other PC wheel controllers via USB. This bad boy lets you release your inner Michael Schumacher with either H-pattern or sequential configurations plus 360-degree rotation adjustment to tailor the gearbox to your liking. Both the TH8 RS and the aforementioned F458 will be hitting your garage… er, game room in October for $180 and $90, respectively. Check out the full PR for the pair after the break, and make sure you fasten your seatbelt.

Continue reading Thrustmaster unveils Ferrari F458 racing wheel and TH8 RS shifter, dares you to get fast and furious

Thrustmaster unveils Ferrari F458 racing wheel and TH8 RS shifter, dares you to get fast and furious originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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