Azada: Ancient Magic is Released
August 29, 2008 by Doug
Filed under PC Software, Software
Following the success of the original hit Azada, Big Fish Games today announced the launch of Azada: Ancient Magic, developed by Big Fish Games Studios and available exclusively at BigFishGames.com.
“We all agreed that we didn’t want to do a quick sequel with just more one-page puzzles; we had a responsibility to the fans to take things much further,” said Emmanuel Marty, director of Big Fish Games Studios Europe. “Where Azada had pages, Azada: Ancient Magic has entire books, over 20 of them including a secret book exclusively for players who completed the original Azada.”
Players arrive via a mysterious transport once again to an enchanted mansion, this time in the library of Uncle Argus. Titus, the guide from the original Azada, explains that a deeper, darker magic threatens their survival, and only a Master Puzzler can break the powerful spell. Players are encouraged to explore the shelves and books that contain Argus’s life work: more than 20 puzzle books containing classic tales. Some of literature’s most famous characters are depicted, waiting to interact and engage with players. Some of the iconic storybook characters include: Dracula, Rapunzel, King Arthur, Henry Jekyll, Buffalo Bill and Robinson Crusoe.
“Azada: Ancient Magic uses the best elements of the original game and transports players into a much deeper experience,” said Patrick Wylie of vice president of studios at Big Fish Games. “Incorporating heroes, villains, and legends from classic stories gives the game a dramatic appeal and a feeling of familiarity.”
Azada: Ancient Magic is the second title in the critically-acclaimed Azada series. The game is available exclusively at http://www.bigfishgames.com. The trial version can be downloaded for free; the unlimited version is available for $19.99.
System Requirements:
DVDO Edge - A/V Hub to Connect your HD World
August 29, 2008 by Doug
Filed under Home Electronics
DVDO, the creator of iScan, announced today the introduction of the DVDO Edge video processor/hub.
Edge upconverts all video formats, up to 1080P output, and improves image quality through its full complement of Anchor Bay’s Video Reference Series technologies. It is also a A/V hub, with 6 HDMI 1.3 “Deep Color” inputs, 2 HDMI 1.3 outputs and a complete array of analog and digital A/V connections. Its new user interface makes setup and operation simple, and there are a number of new customization features allowing users to personalize their own setups.
As an audio/video hub, the Edge handles 10 sources, with 6 HDMI 1.3 compliant inputs (including one hidden and accessible on the front panel). Two Component video inputs accept YPbPr and RGBS (one also accepts RGBHV as well). For other analog video signals, one Composite and one S-Video input are provided. For audio not carried on an HDMI input, there are four digital and one analog audio inputs that are assignable to any of the video inputs.
“Millions of customers have now upgraded to HDTVs, but as they add more sources like Blu-Ray players, portable media, cable boxes and satellite receivers, they find themselves running out of ways to connect them to their TV,” said Doug Fealtman, CEO of DVDO. “And then, once they’ve lived with HD picture quality, they want to find a way to raise the level of picture quality from lower resolution sources to match the capabilities of their HD display. The Edge was designed to seamlessly answer these challenges by connecting and enhancing all video sources and switch between them with the push of a single button.”
Only a single HDMI cable is needed to connect the Edge to the TV displays. All video sources, (including analog, are converted to HDMI. Edge has two HDMI 1.3 outputs, one for the display and a second that carries audio only for use with HDMI 1.3 enabled receivers and processors. For older receivers, an optical digital output is provided.
Aspect ratio controls allow for easy removal of the black bars in letterbox and pillar-box images, as well as correction for overscan and underscan. Preset aspect ratios include 4:3 full frame, 4:3 letterbox, 16:9 full frame, and panorama, which applies a non-linear stretch to 4:3 images to fill 16:9 screens.
Precision AV Lipsync eliminates “video lag” problems by automatically compensating for the video processing delay of the Edge, assuring that picture and sound are matched. For sources where a lip-sync delay is already present, the user can manually adjust the delay up to 200 milliseconds. (I wonder how well this works with video games like Rock Band?)
The Edge goes for $799 SRP and is scheduled to ship in mid to late September.
Dragon Age Toolset at the Penny Arcade Expo
August 29, 2008 by Doug
Filed under PC Software, Software
BioWare today announced that it will continue in the studio’s long tradition of delivering powerful content-creations to the gaming community by releasing the Dragon Age Toolset. BioWare will be presenting the Dragon Age Toolset at the Penny Arcade Expo in the Washington State Convention & Trade Center today through Sunday. Designed specifically for the highly-anticipated Role-playing PC game Dragon Age: Origins, the Dragon Age Toolset provides players with developer-grade tools that will allow them to produce their own content.
Attendees of the Penny Arcade Expo will be the first ever to see the new toolset in action as BioWare will provide a live demonstration of some of its exciting features and capabilities. The Dragon Age Toolset will be part of a stage demonstration during the Penny Arcade Expo at 1:30pm, August 31, on the main stage at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle, Washington.
Key features include
- Create Original Adventures - Using the rich set of Dragon Age assets and locations as starting blocks, users can modify these stunning areas by adding new quests, characters and scripting to craft their own adventures, fate-defining conversations and cut-scenes.
- Powerful Script Editor - Users can fully customize combat and creature AI, allowing them to create detailed action sequences full of heart-pounding party-based tactical combat.
- Content Creators Community - BioWare plans to have a dedicated community area online where content creators can share content easily and get content updates for the toolset.
- On-Going Toolset Content Updates - BioWare plans to release additional assets and features for the toolset in the future, allowing for expanded creation of new areas.
AT&T Debuts New Moto Q
August 29, 2008 by Laura
Filed under Cell Phones
Motorola and AT&T announced the availability of the MOTO Q Global with Windows Mobile 6.1, one of the first devices featuring the latest mobile software on sale to the public.
“Consumers have been clamoring for a single device with the most advanced Windows Mobile software to keep them connected, informed and entertained, all while looking sleek and sharp,” said Juergen Stark, corporate vice president of Productivity, Mobile Devices, Motorola, Inc. “Motorola is proud to provide AT&T customers with one of the first devices featuring Windows Mobile 6.1, and the unparalleled smart phone experience of our MOTO Q Global.”
The new Q comes pre-loaded with Good Mobile Messaging and BlackBerry Connect, an Opera browser and the Documents To Go from DataViz3, which enables users to view, create and edit Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files as well as view Adobe PDF files. The new Q also adds new productivity features, including the latest device and security management and improved messaging. Integrated GPS gives access to location-based services with AT&T Navigator for use both in the U.S. and abroad, including spoken and text-based turn-by-turn directions and business finder capabilities.
MOTO Q Global is available now for $149.99 with a two-year contract and qualified voice and data plans at AT&T retail stores nationwide, online, select national retailers and through AT&T’s business-to-business sales organizations.
Logitech Adds Squeezebox Boom to Its Music Player Line
August 28, 2008 by Doug
Filed under Home Electronics
Logitech has added a new member to the Squeezebox family, the Squeezebox Boom. It is an all-in-one network music player, you can listen to your digital music in the kitchen, the bedroom or any other room in your home – without needing to attach external speakers. Just plug the new Logitech network music player into a power outlet – there are no additional wires to connect. Then, using your existing home wireless network, you can listen to the music you love from the personal collection on your computer, your favorite Internet radio stations, and subscription services such as Rhapsody, Last.FM, Slacker, Pandora and Sirius – even when the computer is off.
Like the Squeeszeboxes before it, you can pull and play unprotected music from a Mac or Windows PC on a local 802.11g or 802.11b network.
“The network music player will be the CD player of the 21st century, and Squeezebox Boom is the first player in its class to deliver high-quality audio in a compact, all-in-one design,” said Robin Selden, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Streaming Media business unit.
Squeezebox Boom network music player offers an integrated, all-digital 30-watt amplifier accompanied by two ¾-inch, high-definition, soft-dome tweeters and two 3-inch, high-power, long-throw woofers. A bi-amplified design – which includes a high-performance signal processor, class-D amplifier and digital crossover – delivers crystal clear sound with minimal noise and distortion. For bass lovers, the Squeezebox Boom even includes a subwoofer connection. And if you want to listen to music in private, the 3.5 mm jack lets you plug in your headphones.
The Logitech Squeezebox Boom network music player is expected to be available beginning in September for a suggested retail price of $299.99
Sanyo 720P projector, PLV Z60
August 28, 2008 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware
Sanyo has introduced a new home movie projector, PVL-Z60. The projector’s 3 LCD system is sharper than many mainstream projectors with a 720p resolution and produces output close main stream HDTVs due to tis 12-big digital processor, with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 1,200 lumens of brightness. An optical zoom out to 2x allows the unit to present a 100″ picture from 9.8 feet to 20 feet away.
“The PLV-Z60 offers a high performance, extremely cost-effective solution for high definition projection,” states Mark Holt, Vice President and General Manager for SANYO’s Presentation Technologies Division. “The flexibility of installation, the quite fan, and simplicity in user adjustable operations makes the PLV-Z60 an excellent choice for setting up a home theater.”
The PLV-Z60 has allow the user to control detailed setting such as the gamma curve and manual control of the iris. The unit has two HDMI connections, VGA port for PC use, and S-video (analog). Sanyo claims the cooling fan noise is at 22dB maximum in its low-demand economy mode.
PLV-Z60 Specifications
- Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 (vivid mode)
- Brightness: 1200 ANSI lumens
- Video Inputs: HDMI x 2, Component x 2, D-sub 15pin, Composite (RCA), S-Video
- Control Ports: Mini DIN 8-pin (RS232)
- Dimensions: 15 (W) x 5 (H) x 12 (D) inches
- Weight: 11lbs.
The PLV-Z60 will be available in September for $1,300.
Samsung Introduces New Line of LCD Digital Photo Frames
August 27, 2008 by Doug
Filed under Home Electronics
Samsung announced today the addition of four new digital photo frames to its existing line of award-winning display products. Available September 1st, the SPF-85H and the WiFi-enabled SPF-85V have an 8-inch screen and are offered with an estimated street price of $129.99 and $199.99, respectively. For those wanting a larger screen, two 10-inch digital photo frames will be available. The SPF-105P will be offered for an estimated street price of $199.99 on October 1st and the WiFi-enabled SPF-105V for an estimated street price of $289.99 on November 1st.
Samsung SPF-85H
The Samsung SPF-85H is an 8-inch digital photo frame.
- 800 x 600 High resolution
- 1 GB internal memory
- Auto on/off function
- Auto Photo Resize
- SD/MMC/MS/XD card reader, USB memory slot
Samsung SPF-85V
The 8-inch Samsung SPF-85V has a built in wireless feature optimized for use with Windows Live Spaces for easy photo sharing.
- 800 x 600 High resolution
- 64 MB internal memory
- Auto rotation function
- 802.11b/g wireless photo frame
- Rechargeable battery
- SD/MMC/MS/XD card reader, USB memory slot
- InfoLink free information service (News, Weather, Stocks) -0
- Frame Channel Service gets over 400 channels of news, sports, cartoons and more. http://www.samsung.framechannel.com
The 10-inch Samsung 105P includes a rechargeable battery for easy portability.
- 1024 x 600 High resolution
- 1 GB internal memory
- Auto Photo Resize
- Rechargeable battery
- SD/MMC/MS/XD card reader, USB memory slot
Samsung SPF-105V
The Samsung SPF-105V is a 10-inch digital photo frame that includes wireless connectivity, auto rotation and a rechargeable battery.
- 1024 x 600 High resolution
- 64 MB internal memory
- Auto rotation function
- 802.11b/g wireless photo frame.
- Rechargeable battery
- SD/MMC/MS/XD card reader, USB memory slot
- InfoLink free information service
Epson Releases New All-In-Ones, Artisan 800 & Artisan 700
August 27, 2008 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware
Epson has announced two new all-in-one (Scan, Fax, print_ color inkjet printers, the Artisan 700 and Artisan 800. Both are six-color systems, and have features such as automatic photo correction, USB, WiFi and Ethernet connections, and the ability to print directly from CF, SD/SDHC, xD and Memory Stick cards. Both models also feature Epson’s auto photo correction technology.
Other useful features on the Artisan 800 and 700 include turning plain paper into college-ruled, wide-ruled and graph school paper, and creating photo layouts with various size photos on a single sheet of paper. You can even print and copy images directly onto ink jet printable CDs and DVDs.
The Artisan 800 also has the exclusive ability to turn photos or drawings into personalized coloring book pages and make personal notepaper with a photo as a background.
The Artisan 800 supports scanning and copy resolutions up to 4,800dpi, and can print text content at up to 38 pages per minute. Images are previewed on a 3.5-inch LCD and a 4×6 photo will print in approximately 10 seconds. The 800 is also equipped with an automatic document feeder.
The Artisan 700 drops the feeder, and also scales down to 2,400dpi and a 2.5-inch LCD.
Registered Artisan owners give free membership to the new Epson Preferred program, which includes a two-year limited warranty, toll-free telephone support, access to the exclusive MyEpson.com Web site that features a series of online tutorial videos, and more. Free lifetime phone support, even beyond the warranty, is included.
Both printers should be out in September at prices of $200 for the 700 and $300 for the 800.
Dell Intros its First 15.6 Notebook in the Vostro Line
August 27, 2008 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, PC Hardware
Dell this morning has refreshed its ” Vostro line. The A860 is Dell’s first 15.6-inch notebook and uses a 16:9 aspect ratio display in a more rounded chassis than normally offered in Vostro notebooks. It comes with a Celeron M processors as well as by offering the choice of Ubuntu Linux in place of Windows Vista. The 14 inch A840, uses the conventional 16:10 ratio display with similar performance.
Dell specifically designed these laptops to meet the needs of small enterprises, government and educational institutions operating on limited budgets in the world’s emerging economies. So right now it does not look like these systems will be sold in North America
Sprint to Give Away 17 trips for Two to Super Bowl XLIII
August 27, 2008 by Doug
Filed under Cell Phones
Use Sprint’s new NFL Mobile Live application beginning Monday, Sept 1 and automatically register for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay. The contest is called “NFL Mobile Live Super Bowl XLIII Sweepstakes.” *I hope Sprint did not pay a marketing firm too much for helping them name the contest.
Each week throughout the NFL’s 17-week regular season, any Sprint customer who uses NFL Mobile Live will be automatically entered for a chance to win two tickets to the NFL’s biggest game. Fans can use NFL Mobile Live each week to be entered for that week’s drawing. Winners will be announced weekly.
The new NFL Mobile Live application is exclusive to Sprint. With NFL Mobile Live, fans can listen to the live radio broadcasts of every NFL game throughout the regular season and will be able to watch all eight of the Thursday Night Football telecasts carried by NFL Network live beginning Nov. 6. The application also allows fans to follow their favorite teams. They can choose to receive text alerts from when a team scores or enters the red zone on game day, to injury reports and breaking news throughout the week, and video highlights of teams and players from the Thursday Night Football telecasts.
NFL Mobile Live is included at no additional charge in Sprint’s Everything plans starting at $69.99.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. One entry per day. For Official Rules, including free mail-in option and prize details, see www.sprint.com/nfl.