Jan 07

NVIDIA shows us Tegra 2 gameplay on Atrix 4G and Optimus 2X (video)

Posted in: demo, dual-core, gaming, hands-on, LG, motorola, NVIDIA, tegra, tegra 2, Tegra2, Today's Chili, video

We can’t imagine how this might have slipped your attention, but LG and Motorola used this year’s CES to roll out the smartphone world’s first dual-core devices in the shape of the Atrix 4G and Optimus 2X. Both are built around NVIDIA’s 1GHz Tegra 2 chip, which has been the most popular thing out here in Vegas after the free food and shuttle rides (Moto even has the Droid Bionic, a 4.3-incher bound for Verizon, using it). But what does that extra core matter to you? Well, aside from facilitating 1080p video playback on both phones, it does make them quite formidable mobile gaming stations. NVIDIA took the time to show us a couple of games being handled with ease by the 2X and Atrix before noting that it isn’t leaving it entirely up to Google to provide the compelling content for its hardware. Gaming is, after all, close to the GeForce maker’s heart, and we were told that NVIDIA is working closely with developers to help them exploit the added firepower of Tegra 2 so as to deliver prettier, shinier things on screen. We were also informed of the introduction of a Tegra Zone, an Android app designed to serve as a showcase of Tegra partners’ wares, whether they be video or gaming content, though you shouldn’t fear the specter of fragmentation here — it’s not a separate app store, any purchases will be directed through the Android Market. Anyhow, enough talking, there’s video to be watched after the break.

Continue reading NVIDIA shows us Tegra 2 gameplay on Atrix 4G and Optimus 2X (video)

NVIDIA shows us Tegra 2 gameplay on Atrix 4G and Optimus 2X (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 03:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 06

Sony’s PlayStation Phone gets in-depth preview in China, PlayStation Pocket app in tow

Posted in: Android, breaking news, BreakingNews, gaming, gingerbread, leak, leaks, playstation, preview, psp, sony, Sony Ericsson, SonyEricsson, Today's Chili, video, xperia

Well, that was quick. It was just two days ago when the elusive PlayStation Phone popped up on a Hong Kong forum, and now it’s back again in full exposure thanks to Chinese website IT168. It’s now confirmed that said Xperia-branded device is powered by a Qualcomm Adreno 205 GPU, along with what’s likely to be a 1GHz Snapdragon QSD8255 as featured on the HTC Desire HD. Interestingly, Neocore is reporting an impressive 59.1fps benchmark, which is a huge improvement from our exclusive look back in early December. Quadrant also reports a high score of 1,733, but hey, there’s no saying that this is the final build, so the graphics performance may get even better.

Other tidbits found in the latest leak include the generous battery capacity of 1,500mAh, the 854 x 480 resolution on a 4-inch LCD, a 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash sans 720p video recording (although it’s probably just that the leaksters didn’t look in all the submenu in the camera app), 512MB RAM, 512MB ROM, a microSD slot, SIM slot, micro-USB, and a second mic on the back for active noise cancellation à la Nexus One. Interestingly, the still-empty game launcher app is now called “PlayStation Pocket.” We’re still unclear just what the app will run; will it be PSOne games (the company has written an emulator before), PSP games, or an entirely new lineup? (In contrast, the PSP Go has a 333MHz processor, 64MB RAM, and a 3.8-inch 480 x 272 display — albeit on different, not-quite-comparable architecture.) Hopefully we’ll know soon enough, eh Kaz? Anyhow, you can peruse some pictures and videos below, and definitely check out IT168 for the full skinny on this (somewhat tick) device.

[Thanks, Dave]

Gallery: PlayStation Phone leak in China

Continue reading Sony’s PlayStation Phone gets in-depth preview in China, PlayStation Pocket app in tow

Sony’s PlayStation Phone gets in-depth preview in China, PlayStation Pocket app in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 06

iCade Game Cabinet Brings Geek Dreams to Life

Posted in: gaming, Today's Chili, Toys and Games

LAS VEGAS — Sometimes, April Fools’ Day dreams do come true.

Less than a year after ThinkGeek created an arcade gaming cabinet for iPad as part of its annual April 1 shenanigans, Ion Audio has partnered with both the geek shopping site and Atari to bring forth the real thing.

CES 2011The iCade — yup, that’s the same “product” name as the ThinkGeek gag version — looks like a miniaturized version of any typical arcade machine. The top flips open, you slide the iPad in, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity does the rest. Via the joystick and eight arcade buttons on the front console panel, you’ll be able to play games (at least from the outset) through the free iCade app.

Of course, gag gifts that appear on ThinkGeek have a weird way of coming to fruition. (Remember the saga of the Tauntaun sleeping bag?) Well, when Fred Galpern, Ion’s gaming product manager, saw the imaginary iCade pop up on ThinkGeek’s site last year, he called up the site’s brass and proposed they work together to make the dream a reality. Eventually, Atari was brought on board as a partner in supplying games for the unit — at launch, only Asteroids will be available — although Ion says it will release a developers kit, so we’ll hopefully see a slew of iCade-compatible games by year’s end.

Oddly enough, even though the fake iCade retailed for $150 on ThinkGeek, the real iCade will undercut that by $50, despite knowing in advance that thousands of people would gladly pay such a price point. But $100 is all you’ll need to plunk down at ionaudio.com or thinkgeek.com (yes, the site will be selling an exclusive ICade that looks like the April Fools’ version) if you want to relive some ’80s gaming glory days on your iPad.

Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com


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Jan 06

Razer’s adjustable Onza 360 Tournament Edition controller hands-on at CES 2011

Posted in: controller, gaming, hands-on, razer, Today's Chili, xbox, xbox 360, Xbox360

Not so fond of the resistance level on that stock Xbox 360 controller? Hello, solution! Razer just trotted out the Tournament Edition and Standard Edition controllers, and we stopped by to have a look. The company told us that it has been working on perfecting the resistance mechanism on the Tournament Edition ($49.99) for months on end, and the end product was as solid as a rock. Both analog joysticks are capable of being independently tightened or loosened with respect to resistance, and it also touts an added shoulder button that can be reassigned to do pretty much anything via an intuitive button / menu process on the rear of the controller — that’s shown in more detail down in the gallery below. There’s also a rubberized feel to the grip, backlit buttons and a braided cable, whereas the $39.99 Standard edition lacks the adjustable resistance, backlighting, rubber finish and cable braiding.

Representatives for the company noted that the next logical step would be to concoct a wireless version and to eventually introduce a PlayStation 3 variant with resistant analog sticks, but no one was ready (or willing) to talk release dates. As for these Onzas? Pre-orders will start on the 17th, with shipments to hopefully follow in a few months.

Gallery: Razer’s adjustable Onza 360 controller hands-on at CES 2011

Razer’s adjustable Onza 360 Tournament Edition controller hands-on at CES 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 06

Razer Switchblade preview: 3G, Intel Oak Trail, almost definitely going on sale

Posted in: awesome, breaking news, BreakingNews, concept, gaming, impressions, intel, intel atom, IntelAtom, multitouch, preview, prototype, razer, Today's Chili, video

Whoa, Nelly! We just made a beeline to Razer’s booth here on the CES show floor, and were presented with a fairly technical talk surrounding the newly launched Switchblade. While officially deemed a concept, we came away with a serious impression that Razer’s not investing loads of time and money on this just for kicks. In other words, we’d cautiously expect to see this thing on sale at some point next year — but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. We spent a good half-hour toying with this Windows 7-based mini netbook, and we came away seriously impressed by what’s happening here. Head on past the break for more of our impressions.

Gallery: Razer Switchblade hands-on at CES 2011

Continue reading Razer Switchblade preview: 3G, Intel Oak Trail, almost definitely going on sale

Razer Switchblade preview: 3G, Intel Oak Trail, almost definitely going on sale originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 06

Razer refreshes Onza 360 controller with new Tournament and Standard Editions

Posted in: controller, gaming, razer, Today's Chili, xbox, xbox 360, Xbox360

Is your Xbox 360’s bundled controller not loving you quite like it should? Razer’s ready to pick you up on the rebound with its updated Onza controller for Microsoft’s console. The Tournament Edition offers analog sticks with adjustable resistance, an improved D-pad, backlit action buttons, and a pair of added programmable keys. The Standard version eschews the backlight and analog customizability, but keeps the other improvements. Pre-orders for both begin on January 17th, with the Tournament costing $50 / €50 and the Standard asking for $40 / €40.

Continue reading Razer refreshes Onza 360 controller with new Tournament and Standard Editions

Razer refreshes Onza 360 controller with new Tournament and Standard Editions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 06

Razer Switchblade: 7-inch pocket gaming concept blows our minds six ways from Sunday

Posted in: awesome, breaking news, BreakingNews, concept, gaming, intel, intel atom, IntelAtom, multitouch, prototype, razer, Today's Chili, video

The most beautiful thing to come out of CES 2011? The show ain’t over yet, but we’re unafraid to say that Razer‘s Switchblade is the device to beat. Before you go getting your hopes up, we have to (regretfully) point out that this here gaming handheld is but a concept, but considering that Toshiba’s Libretto W105 made it to store shelves (if but for a moment), we’re hoping and praying that the Switchblade can also find its way to a production line. Little is known about the device itself, but Razer has imagined it using a pair of 7-inch multitouch displays as well as a layer of tactile, dynamic keys on the lower screen. Much like the Optimus Maximus of yesteryear, this keyboard would enable gamers to place different screens underneath depending on title, and even within a game, you could imagine the keys shifting to account for different POVs, levels, scenarios, etc. Internally, the concept is based around an Intel Atom processor, but there’s no word on what kind of GPU would work alongside of it. Sadly, Razer’s unwilling to talk pie-in-the-sky details when it comes to price and release, but if four million comments show up below begging and pleading for the company to take this commercial…

Update: Just to be clear, the keyboard on the bottom is a full-on LCD , but covered with physical keys. In contrast, the W105 had a flat touchpanel on the bottom.

Gallery: Razer Switchblade 7-inch gaming tablet concept at CES 2011

Continue reading Razer Switchblade: 7-inch pocket gaming concept blows our minds six ways from Sunday

Razer Switchblade: 7-inch pocket gaming concept blows our minds six ways from Sunday originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 05

Corsair SP2500 review

Posted in: audio, gaming, Music, review, sound, speakers, Today's Chili

Corsair is sending out another raiding party into gaming audio waters today with the introduction of its very first set of speakers, the SP2500. Priced at $249 and boasting 232 watts of floor-shaking power, this jumbo 2.1 package is an unabashed play for PC gamers’ hearts. We’ve spent some quality time with the SP2500s hooked up to our own desktop and can tell you that the company’s boasts about these speakers’ full volume range being usable is no lie. They’re basically designed to be loud … really, really loud. Check out the gallery to see just how massive they are and hop, skip, jump, or leap past the break for our fuller impressions. Spoiler: we’ll be discussing loudness a lot.

Additionally, lest your wallet’s not padded enough or your aural needs not quite so extreme, today sees the debut of Corsair’s more modest SP2200 2.1 set for $99 alongside the introduction of an HS1A gaming headset, the latter being an almost carbon copy of the well received HS1 from last year, save for the replacement of the USB connector with a more conventional analog one.

Gallery: Corsair SP2500 2.1 speakers unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading Corsair SP2500 review

Corsair SP2500 review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 05

ThinkGeek Unveils the JOYSTICK-IT iPad Joystick Controller

Posted in: controller, gaming, ipad, Miscellaneous Tech, Tech Toys, Today's Chili, video games
Likely the result of an April Fool’s joke turned serious, the new JOYSTICK-IT iPad Controller from ThinkGeek addresses a problem that a number of iPad gamers have with their games: that virtual thumbsticks on the iPad screen aren’t that much fun to use. The JOYSTICK-IT controller looks and feels like a real arcade joystick, it just sticks to the iPad’s display right over where the virtual joystick is positioned, and you can play like normal. 
The JOYSTICK-IT isn’t the first iPad controller we’ve seen this week: yesterday TenOne Designs unveiled the Fling controller for iPad at the Consumer Electronics Show with a much different design. Alternatively, the JOYSTICK-IT actually looks and functions like a joystick, and is completely removable and replaceable depending on where the virtual controls in your game of choice are on-screen. 
While you can’t pre-order the JOYSTICK-IT, you can sign up to be notified when the JOYSTICK-IT is up for sale at ThinkGeek’s Web site. The company says it will be available in late January for $24.99 retail price.
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Jan 04

Fling joystick lets you get physical with Super Megaworm on the iPad

Posted in: controller, gaming, ipad, peripheral, tablet, tablet pc, TabletPc, Today's Chili, video

You know, some people take gaming very seriously, and there’s no doubt that a good portion of them will be picking up this new peripheral from Ten One Design. For $24.95, the Fling tactile game controller promises to enhance some iPad games by overlaying their virtual D-pad with a physical mini joystick. And that’s not it — the funky spiral mechanism also provides resistance to simulate force feedback, meaning your thumb will always know its boundaries. Check out the video demo after the break.

Gallery: Fling joystick lets you get physical with Super Megaworm on the iPad

Continue reading Fling joystick lets you get physical with Super Megaworm on the iPad

Fling joystick lets you get physical with Super Megaworm on the iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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