We got a first look at the BitTorrent Bundle back in May when it was introduced as a new file format for content creators. Basically, this Bundle will allow those creators to package several items together for free with additional items being available for those who move forward and unlock it. We recently got a […]
Sony’s PlayStation 4 upgrade program gets detailed: $10 for a next-gen copy
Posted in: Today's ChiliBack at Gamescom 2013, Sony made it known that select cross-generational games, like Call of Duty: Ghosts, purchased for the PlayStation 3 would be upgradeable for its forthcoming PS4. At the time, Sony kept general pricing details for the program under wraps, although Activision did announce its qualifying CoD title would set PS4 users back $10 bucks for the next-gen upgrade privilege. Now, Sony’s coming clean with the full spate of its limited run upgrade program, adding Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, Battlefield 4 and Watch Dogs to the list — all for $10.
So how does it work? Well, for those gamers that insist on purchasing a physical copy of any of the above games, they’ll receive a redeemable pack-in code which they can enter into the PlayStation Network for a digital copy of the PS4 version. That’s not all though. In order to unlock that next-gen copy, the physical disc has to be in the console to activate it. The process is much simpler for those that opt for the all-digital route, as a PS3 purchase made on PSN will automatically qualify gamers for the discount, at which point the game will be available for download. You have to hand it Sony: with news of this expanded upgrade program and the PS4’s Gaikai-powered PS3 backwards compatibility, it seems the company’s well learned from the lessons of the previous gen’s past.
Source: PlayStation Blog
The Game of Thrones opening credits are just begging to have someone build a real-world replica. Just imagine a wooden version of the keep at Winterfell as a model with moving pieces that you could buy. How awesome would that be? You could buy the buildings separately and put them all together.
Well, Max and Tijn Berends have made a wooden expandable castle shown in this video. Okay, not really. It’s not real. They made it look real by using Blender 3D to create a digital castle. It’s a neat trick.
Don’t get your hopes up that they will re-create the whole intro. This building took about three months to create by itself.
If you’d like to play with the model, animations and textures for yourself, you can grab the Blender 3D files here.
[via Kotaku via Nerd Approved]
Anyone who dabbles with video production will have heard the same old adage: viewers can forgive poor-ish video, but poor audio will ruin your content. As such, the average integrated microphone and pocket-sized portables aren’t suitable for certain users, but bulky high-end audio recorders aren’t suitable for certain filming situations. Such is the market where […]
Who doesn’t like having a watch that looks like it’s from the future? Well I sure would like to have one, and I have to say that the Kisai Neutron from Tokyoflash would be perfect for humans and Cylons alike.
The Tokyoflash Kisai Neutron has a metal grille over some LED light bars that curve around your wrist. The time is displayed by flashing digits, which makes it easily readable by anyone. You can view time either by watching the digits scroll or fade in. The watch is motion sensitive, so you just need to give it a shake to show the time. You can also choose to have it always on, or light up upon the touch of a button.
The Kisai Neutron watch sells for $169(USD) and is powered by a USB-rechargeable battery. It comes in black, gold, or gunmetal with white, blue, or red LEDs.
Think your latest Instagram shot could be a masterpiece? Then have it painted on canvas and show the whole world your awesome shot in a traditional medium.
You could commission your own artist, or you could just send it off to Pixelist.
Pixelist is a service that promises to deliver hand-made paintings of your Instagram image of choice. Their campaign is currently up on Indiegogo, where you can get a 12×12 Pixelist painting by making a minimum pledge of $90(USD).
If you want to have a regular-sized image printed, then you can cough up $10 more to get the 12×16 painting. Prices go up from there for larger sizes.
Pixelist aims to use the money raised from their Indiegogo campaign to set up a website and spread the word about their awesome service. If you’re interested, head on over to their page before the end of the day on 7/25 and make a pledge!
[via Laughing Squid]
Sony’s PlayStation 4 isn’t the only next-gen console that claims to offer near-instant access to digital games — Microsoft’s Xbox One apparently does as well, according to a statement issue by Redmond to Engadget today. “Consumers will be able to sign on to any Xbox One console and have access to all their digital games. Once the required data — a fraction of the entire game — is on their hard drive, they can jump into the action while the rest of the game finishes downloading in the background,” the statement reads. It also notes that you can already enjoy much of that proposed functionality on the Xbox 360, though it requires significantly more effort than we’re hoping will be required on the Xbox One.
The Xbox One supports similar functionality with disc-based games, allowing you to immediately jump in and play while the game is installed to the HDD. Of course, you’ll still need the disc in the drive for it to play; at least that’s the case now, after Microsoft walked back its Xbox One DRM strategy. Microsoft also teased today’s news in its original Xbox One announcement PR: “Unleashing the virtually unlimited power of the cloud makes everything more convenient and accessible, from allowing games to be installed in segments so that gameplay can start quickly to updates downloading in the background.”
We’ve yet to see Sony or Microsoft’s play while you download functionality in action on their respective next-gen game consoles, but we’ve got a smattering of major press events sprinkled across the next several months leading up to this holiday when the consoles launch. But hey, we understand your suspicion — if we don’t get a chance to see it in action soon, then we’ll start to worry.
Your digital game library will be accessible from any PlayStation 4, says Sony
Posted in: Today's ChiliThe digital games you buy on your PlayStation 4 will apparently travel with you, virtually, when you move from console to console. Sony R&D senior team leader Neil Brown detailed as much at Develop today. “You can visit your friend’s house you can log into your account and play any game from your digital library,” he said. Paired with the console’s “Play As You Download” functionality, Brown promised that users will be able to instantly jump into their full library of digital games from any PS4 after signing in with their PSN ID. “This makes a digital library a practical option in the real world,” he added.
PlayStation 4 games are planned for digital launch alongside physical, thus making an all-digital game library a more possible goal. Should you purchase a physical copy, you can take the Blu-ray with you from console to console; the game will automatically install on the console’s HDD, though you’ll still need its disc in the tray for the game to play.
Filed under: Gaming, Software, HD, Sony
Source: Official PlayStation Magazine UK
We can argue about Android fragmentation and conflicting standards all day long, but you know what? Those fights are nothing compared to how broken your own digital life is.
I love good digital cameras, and you definitely get a lot of value for what you pay for, since mine has lasted me about 7 years. That being said, it’s no Leica (just a Nikon.) With their latest announcement, Leica showcases another elegant take on compact cameras.
The Leica X Vario has a 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, with a 3.0 inch LCD screen in an aluminum and magnesium enclosure. The whole camera comes wrapped in leather trim, giving it a classic look. The X Vario can also capture video at 1080p and 720p at 30 and 60 fps respectively. ISO ranges from 100 to 12,500, and the aperture range is f/3.5-6.4. Its lens is a 28-70mm equivalent.
The X Vario retails for $2,850(USD). This Leica is made in-house in Germany, and like the M9, which costs $7000 without a lens, and the S2, which costs about $15,000, the X Vario is made for stellar optical quality at a more attainable price range compared to other Leica models.
[via DP Review]