ATI Releases Radeon HD 4770

AMD today launched the ATI Radeon HD 4770 graphics processor, a product that harnesses the state-of-the-art 40 nanometer manufacturing process for the desktop PC market, delivering high performance and energy efficiency at anticipated launch prices as low as $99. The ATI Radeon HD 4770 graphics card is the newest addition to the award-winning ATI RadeonTM HD 4000 series.

• The new card features third-generation hardware support for the latest DirectX 10.1 games like Battleforge, HAWX, S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky and Stormrise, delivering higher game performance and improved visual quality when compared to DirectX 10.

Features

• The ATI Radeon HD 4770 makes use of the latest GDDR5 memory technology, providing incredibly high data rates for fast game performance.
• SupportsATI CrossFireX technology, allowing a second ATI Radeon HD 4770 card to be added for a near-linear increase in performance.
• The ATI Radeon HD 4770 graphics card allows users to enjoy HD digital content. The new card helps enhance the definition and clarity of lower resolution media, and through the second generation AMD Unified Video Decoder (UVD 2.0) technology, users can be assured of smooth video playback, crisp images, and vibrant colors on all HD content including Blu-ray discs.  With support for HDMI, picture-in-picture (PiP) and the latest HD audio technologies like 7.1 surround sound, the new graphics card enables an impressive cinema-quality home entertainment experience..

“Consumer pressure in this economic downturn is shifting demand to lower prices and the price band around $100 has the highest demand and highest volume,” said Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, Graphics Products Group, AMD.5 “AMD has responded with the launch of the ATI Radeon HD 4770, targeting this market with cutting-edge technologies like 40 nm processors, support for DirectX 10.1 gaming and GDDR5 memory. This strategy stands in stark contrast to the old ‘trickle down’ technology approach some still use to address this important segment.”

“As a leading source of cutting-edge game development tools, Emergent has a passion for delivering realistic, visually stunning game play as well as improved performance,” said Doug Kubel, vice president, Product Development, Emergent. “By supporting DirectX 10.1 in the Gamebryo LightSpeed development system, we are able to deliver improvements in both image quality and frame rates. DirectX 10.1 graphics hardware like the ATI Radeon HD 4770 makes it possible to fully unlock the experience delivered by the combined power of DirectX 10.1 and Gamebryo LightSpeed.”

Technorati Tags: AMD, DirectX 10.1, Graphics, PC HArdware, Raedon HD 4770, Video Cards

Metro PCS and Samsung Intro the Tint

In its ongoing effort to provide consumers with the largest selection of wireless handsets for low-cost unlimited service, MetroPCS Communicationsand Samsung today launched the Samsung Tint.

The sleek, compact flip design of the Samsung Tint makes it both durable and fashionable. The Samsung Tint includes grey and pink faceplates as a standard accessory to help match the user’s style. Additional faceplates are also available in various colors. This handset also features customizable wallpaper, banner themes and fonts to personalize the visual experience on the Samsung Tint.

The Samsung Tint is equipped with a powerful feature set, including an integrated camera, SMS, MMS, email and IM messaging capabilities1, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth wireless technology and speakerphone for easy, hands-free operation.

For immediate access to family and friends, the Samsung Tint offers ChatLINK a push-to-talk social networking tool that works like a walkie-talkie. Users can simply push a button and talk without dialing to individuals or groups with compatible phones.

With the Samsung Tint, MetroPCS subscribers will be able to navigate the mobile Web, download ringtones and graphics and interact with social networks without having to use a laptop or PC.

The Samsung Tint is available with all MetroPCS service plans and is available for purchase in all metropolitan areas where MetroPCS service is available, which include Greater Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco Sacramento, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.

MetroPCS’ plans for its wide variety of other phones range from $30 to $50 per month and allow subscribers to talk all they want, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. Unlike most carriers, MetroPCS does not require a signed contract, which means that consumers can activate service without going through a credit check or paying a deposit.

The Samsung Tint is available at all MetroPCS authorized dealers and company-owned retail locations. Visit MetroPCS’ website at www.metropcs.com for specific locations or to purchase the Samsung Tint and sign up for service plans. To find out more information on the Samsung Tint, please visit www.samsungmobileusa.com.

Technorati Tags: Cell Phones, Metro PCS, Samsing Tint

SanDisk Cruzer Now With FIPS and CMC

SanDisk today announced that all Cruzer Enterprise models currently shipping are FIPS certified, offering corporate and government IT departments a valuable tool in managing their secure hardware ecosystem. In addition, SanDisk has released Central Management and Control (CMC) software version 3.0, equipping IT professionals with more tools for distributing, protecting and recovering critical data.

SanDisk’s Cruzer Enterprise secure USB flash drives now come in two forms: standard Cruzer Enterprise and Cruzer Enterprise with McAfee Malware Protection.

Both Cruzer Enterprise products feature FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) 140-2 Level 2 certification for encryption, a standard set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). FIPS certification confirms that a drive has met NIST standards for design of the cryptographic module, for the strength of encryption algorithms and resistance to physical intrusion. The encrypted flash drive imposes mandatory access control on all files, which are stored in a secure partition that implements 256-bit hardware-based AES USB encryption.

In addition to FIPS protection, Cruzer Enterprise products with McAfee security software help defend users from infection with an automatic anti-malware scan that prohibits file transfers to the secure USB drive when it detects infection on a host PC.

Utilizing the unique hardware and embedded software capabilities of Cruzer Enterprise secure USB flash drives, CMC software has been used by government agencies, healthcare organizations and enterprises for years. The CMC device agent resides on a company-issued Cruzer Enterprise drive, giving corporate IT departments a powerful tool for lifecycle management of the device – including deployment throughout the organization, password recovery and renewal through the network, central back-up and restore, central usage tracking and remote termination of lost drives.

“Protecting critical data is a major priority for corporate IT professionals, and SanDisk Enterprise offers a two-pronged approach to meet that need,” said Roy Ramati, vice president, enterprise division, SanDisk. “Cruzer Enterprise encrypted flash drives provide secure and reliable high-capacity storage, while CMC 3.0 software offers advanced enterprise data management for those drives. This combination ensures that even if a drive is lost or stolen, the company’s sensitive information will remain secure and recoverable.”

CMC version 3.0 offers new tools for IT professionals, including:

• Application and content distribution: CMC 3.0 allows central distribution of virtualized productivity applications to Cruzer Enterprise secure flash drives through the network. New applications appearing in the Cruzer Enterprise launchpad are easily accessed through an icon in the system tray, enabling users to introduce new applications rapidly without having to initiate an installation process or bring their drives to the IT department. CMC 3.0 also allows central distribution of content files to relevant users or groups in the organization, ensuring they get easy and immediate access to important, up-to-date documents.
• Enhanced password policy control: Passwords can now be set to expire after a period of time determined by the IT department. This increases USB security by reducing the risk of unauthorized users gaining access to longstanding passwords. CMC 3.0 also offers the option of synchronizing with Active Directory password policies.
• Expanded reports: IT administrators can create pre-defined reports on user activity, and access a wizard for creating dynamic reports on demand. This gives the IT department new tools for uncovering violations of the organization’s data security policies and for providing confirmation of regulatory compliance through an enhanced audit trail.
• Streamlined deployment and user provisioning: Cruzer Enterprise drives can now be remotely configured from any corporate PC without pre-installation of a software agent. This enhances overall user productivity and shrinks the time and effort required to add new drives, especially in large organizations with multiple locations and many remote workers.

Existing CMC customers can enroll in an upgrade program to the new version through SanDisk authorized partners.

Technorati Tags: CMC 3.0, Cruzer, FIPS, Flash Memory USB Flash Drive, San Disk, Storage

Samsung to Release Android Phone

Samsung Electronics today unveiled the I7500, its first Android-powered mobile phone. With a launch of I7500, Samsung became the first company among the global top three mobile phone manufacturers to unveil an Android-powered phone.

“Samsung is among the earliest members of the Open Handset Alliance and has been actively moving forward to introduce the most innovative Android mobile phone,” said JK Shin, Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Communication Division in Samsung Electronics. “With Samsung’s accumulated technology leadership in mobile phone industry and our consistent strategy to support every existing operating system, I believe that Samsung provides the better choices and benefits to our consumers” he added.

The Samsung I7500 is a cutting-edge smartphone, featuring a 3.2” AMOLED full touch screen and 7.2Mbps HSDPA and WiFi connectivity, giving users access to Google  Mobile  services and full web browsing at 3G speeds.

The Samsung I7500 offers users access to the full suite of Google services, including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, and Google Talk. The integrated GPS receiver enables the comprehensive use of Google Maps features, such as My Location, Google Latitude, Street View, local search and detailed route description. Hundreds of other applications are available in Android Market. For example, the application Wikitude, a mobile travel guide, allows consumers to access details of unknown sights via location-based Wikipedia articles.

Based on Samsung’s proven product leadership, Samsung I7500 comes with latest multimedia features. The large and vivid 3.2“AMOLED display ensures the brilliant representation of multimedia content and enjoyable full touch mobile experience. Along with supporting a 5-megapixel camera and various multimedia codec formats, the I7500 also provides a long enough battery life (1500mAh) and large memory capacity up to 40GB (Internal memory: 8GB, External memory: Up to 32GB) to enjoy all the applications and multimedia content. The phone also boasts its slim and compact design with mere 11.9mm thickness.

Specs

• Network

HSDPA 7.2Mbps / HSUPA 5.76Mbps (900 / 1700/ 2100MHz)
EDGE / GPRS (850/ 900/1800/1900)

• Display

3.2” HVGA(320×480) AMOLED

• Camera

5 MP Camera (Auto Focus), Power LED

• Video / Audio

Video: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV
Audio: MP3, AAC, AAC+, e-AAC+, WMA, RA

• Connectivity

Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, WiFi, MicroUSB, 3.5mm ear jack

• Memory

Internal memory: 8GB
External memory: Micro SD (Up to 32GB)

• Size

115 x 56 x 11.9mm

The Samsung I7500 will be available in major European countries from June, 2009

Technorati Tags: Android, Cell Phones, Google, I7500, Samsung, Smart Phones

Left and Right Review of Microsoft SideWinder X3 Gamer Mouse

In our house, rather than having a battle for computers, we battle over mice.  One of us is a righty and one is a lefty.  When it comes to to gaming and higher end mice generally the lefty loses since they are ergonomically designed for right handed users only.

Microsoft is about to ship a new gaming mouse, the SideWinder X3.  Despite the fact that it is set at a moderate price, $39.99, it has many of the same features as it’s more expensive competition such as the Microsoft SideWinder X5 and the Logitech G9.  Though they are called gaming mice, they are also useful for people who do other high intensity activities with their mice, like using graphic design apps.

The mouse comes boxed with a short manual and a CD with the Microsoft Intellipoint software for both Windows and Mac.  Mac users please note the mouse is only officially supported for use with Vista and XP.  The Mac Intellipoint software in the box does not support the X3.

Laura, AKA the Lefty, installed it on an older laptop with Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2.  The install went quickly and smoothly.  After that it was just a matter of plugging the Sidewinder into the laptop’s USB port and verifying the settings, then the mouse was up and running. Laura’s mouse is typically what ever cheap left-over “came in a box with some PC” mouse that is not shaped specifically for the right hand.

Doug, AKA the Righty, installed the mouse on a Gateway i7 desktop running Vista Ultimate 64.  He typically uses either a Logitech G9 gamer mouse or a Microsoft Notebook Mouse 5000.

One of the things Lefty appreciates most about the SideWinder is its bilateral symmetry, that means the shape is the same on both sides so it feels the same whether you are using it right or left handed.  The Sidewinder also has a smooth surface on the bottom, with wide pads that enable it to move smoothly of a variety of different surfaces.   We tried it on cloth, paper, a wood desk top, a laminated desktop and a black leather blotter and it worked equally well on all of them.  It is one of the smoothest optical mice we’ve ever used.

For navigation control, the SideWinder has five programmable buttons. First are the standard left and right buttons accompanied by a center scroll wheel. The buttons are easily programmed with the Intellipoint software and they click quickly and accurately.  They are smooth and follow the curve of the mouse’s shell.  Lefty’s personal preference would be to have a bit of a finger groove, but that is a minor point.  The scroll wheel moves freely and quickly, so it takes very little effort from your finger.  The Intellipoint software enables the mouse’s scroll speed to increase the longer the user scrolls down a page.  That feature only kicked in once or twice, but it worked smoothly and was not intrusive. The X3 also has nice low profile side buttons that are programmable for different functions in the driver application.  Lefty’s old mouse has inconveniently placed side buttons that are always getting in the way, and start up things like Windows Magnifier when they are hit accidentally, what a pain!

The SideWinder is designed to be a gamer mouse, so DPI (Dots Per Inch) is important because that determines the rate at which the cursor moves across the screen.  The X3 has three different default DPI settings (2000, 800 and 400) that are set with 3 buttons, located just behind the scroll wheel.  Changing from one DPI setting to another can be done on the fly and is completely seamless.  You can also reprogram the order of these buttons, or even the DPI level using the choices found in the Intellipoint software.

In comparison, the Logitech G9 which is also a part of our regularly used equipment cost nearly 2 times as much or more. The G9 has many features including swappable shell textures and an interchangeable weights system to get the exact weight you want. At this juncture, Righty grudgingly admits that the G9 tends to be mouse overkill for “most” people.   Being able to have a higher DPI for more precision movement is a must for gaming though, that plus the smooth action the SideWinder provides is something we can all use.  The added level of precision without a high price is great for people who use graphics applications or other applications where precise mousing is a must. It is comfortable for long periods of fragging or working.  As a bonus, the X3 features “Quick Turn” which is a macro built into the software that lets gamers quickly check their perimeter with the click of one button.

One issue Lefty found was when plugging the X3 into a laptop with closely spaced USB ports, you are not able plug another USB device into the same set of ports because the SideWinder’s plug is a little larger than other USB plugs.  It also did not work with a  PS2 KVM switch, but that was expected since the documentation clearly states the the mouse needs a powered USB port. Righty had plugged the mouse into the back of his desktop since it needs a fully powered USB port. The G9 mouse, the X3 replaced, was plugged into a USB port on a Logtech G15 keyboard which did not provide the X3 with the needed power.  The X3 works great with powered USB hubs.

Conclusion

Overall the SideWinder X3 has a really solid feel and performs great. We recomend it for anyone, gamer or not, who wants the performance of a high DPI mouse but doesn’t necessarily need a lot of extra bells and whistles or the cost that comes with them. It will be shipping sometime in May.

Pros:  Low Price, Quality Construction, Multiple DPI Levels, Customizable

Cons:  Oversized plug, Needs a full powered USB Port, No Mac Support

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pre-Order Now at Amazon.com

Technorati Tags: 2000 DPI, DPI, Gaming, Microsoft, Mouse, Sidewinder X3

Review - SkullCandy LowRider Headphones

I am a product of the headphone generation.  The first headphones I ever tried when I was little were an expensive pair of stereo phones the size of half oranges, that my dad was always trying to keep away from us.  I was in my teens when the Walkman appeared and suddenly everyone in my generation, including me, was wearing headphones everywhere…all the time.

Configuring my personal soundscape has been an ongoing challenge even since.  Sound quality, cost, portability, and comfort are all deciding factors.

The Low Riders have very good sound quality, with deep but not overwhelming base and warm highs.  The sound comes from a pair of 40mm powered drivers.  I’ve compared to similarly styled over the ear head phone that cost several times as much, and found them to be capable performers.  The speakers themselves swivel up to 91 degrees a handy feature found in these and many DJ styled head phones.

The ear cups are padded enough that you can wear them for several hours without fatigue, but they aren’t bulky.  The foldable headband adjusts to a wide range of head sizes, but did squeeze just a bit when I tried wearing the headphones at the same time as my glasses.  Another thing I found was that the cord was a bit short for my liking so I always use them with an extension that came with another pair of headphones I have.

The Low Rider won’t fit in your jacket pocket as neatly as a pair of ear buds but they fold up compact enough to put into a bag, even a fairly small one.  They come in several colors, basic black, white, acid green, blue, red and more.  So you won’t have any trouble coordination with your laptop or MP3 player.  Some versions come with a travel pouch.

Overall, you can’t beat these for their combination of sound quality, comfort, portability and price.  The SkullCandy Low Riders can be found online for around 30 dollars at a variety of retailers.  You can learn more about them at the Skullcandy website.

Pros: Inexpensive, Compact, Good Sound, Lots of Color Choice

Cons: Short Cord, Tight Fit with Glasses or Big Heads

Rating: 4 out of 5 

Technorati Tags: DJ, Headphones, MP3, Over Ear Headphones, Reviews, SkullCandy, Sound

THQ Launches UFC 2009 Demo

THQ and Zuffa, today announced the UFC 2009 Undisputed playable demo is now available for free download via XBOX Live Marketplace for the XBOX 360, as well as PlayStation Network for the Playstation 3 computer entertainment system. In celebration of UFC 97, held last weekend in Montreal, Quebec, the playable demo will allow consumers to sample an exhibition bout with former UF Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. The demo will also include a portion of the game’s Tutorial Mode, which further educates players about UFC 2009 Undisputed’s unique gameplay controls, as well as the sport of mixed martial arts. UFC 2009 Undisputed is scheduled for release on May 19, 2009 for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 system.

“The playable demo for UFC 2009 Undisputed will allow consumers to have their first taste of virtual Octagon action prior to our highly anticipated launch on May 19,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, publishing, THQ. “We look forward to seeing how fans embrace this powerful mixed martial arts gameplay experience.”

“Fans around the world have been clamoring for a great UFC videogame for quite some time,” said Dana White, president, UFC. “We are pleased to offer a free sample of UFC 2009 Undisputed featuring two great athletes and competitors, Chuck Liddell and ‘Shogun’ Rua, prior to launch.”

The UFC 2009 Undisputed playable demo for Xbox 360 and Platstation 3 system will allow players to enter the virtual Octagon for an Exhibition Mode bout between Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. The three-round demo contest depicts the renowned Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas while supporting 1-2 players. Mario Yamasaki serves as the referee. In addition, players can navigate a portion of the game’s Tutorial Mode for more information about UFC 2009 Undisputed’s unique gameplay controls, as well as the sport of mixed martial arts.

Technorati Tags: Martial Arts, Playstation 3, PlayStation Network, Sports, THQ, UFC, UFC 2009 Undisputed, Video Games, Xbox 360, XBOX Live Marketplace, Zuffa

THQ Releases Red Faction Demo

THQ and Volition today announced the single-player demo for Red Faction: Guerrilla is now available for free download on XBOX Live Marketplace for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network for the Playstation 3. Developed by THQ internal studio Volition, Red Faction: Guerrilla is a 3rd person, open-world shooter featuring real physics-based destruction, a story-driven single-player campaign and robust multiplayer options. The demo features an action-packed single-player mission introducing the groundbreaking GeoMod 2.0 Destruction Engine, and comes just weeks before the June 2nd launch of Red Faction: Guerrilla.

“The press and consumer buzz for Red Faction: Guerrilla continues to build, as gamers prepare for a new standard in open-world, destruction-based game-play,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. “The single-player demo will give consumers an exciting taste of what the full game will offer on June 2nd.”

Red Faction: Guerrilla is a 3rd person, open-world shooter set on Mars, 50 years after the events of the original Red Faction. Players will take on the role of freedom fighter Alec Mason with the newly re-established Red Faction movement as they battle for liberation from the oppressive Earth Defense Force. Throughout their fight for freedom, players will carve their own path, wreaking havoc across the vast, open-world environment of Mars, from the desolate mining outpost of Parker to the gleaming EDF capital city of Eos.

The Red Faction: Guerrilla single-player demo puts players in the role of freedom fighter Alec Mason as he battles the oppressive Earth Defense Force for control of Mars. Offering an intense single-player mission, the demo utilizes the GeoMod 2.0 Destruction Engine which uses real-world physics to simulate building formation and destruction in the game. The demo is now available for free download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PlayStation Network.

Utilizing improvised weapons, explosives and re-purposed mining equipment and vehicles, Red Faction: Guerrilla allows players to tear through fully destructible environments in an unforgiving Martian landscape swarming with EDF forces, Red Faction resistance fighters, and the downtrodden settlers caught in the cross-fire. Red Faction: Guerrillawill also feature a robust multiplayer component, including several modes focused on destruction-based gameplay. Currently in development for Microsoft XBOX 360, Sony Playstation 3, and Windows PC, Red Faction: Guerrilla is scheduled to ship to retailers worldwide on the 2nd of June 2009.

Technorati Tags: GeoMod, PlayStation Network, Red Faction, Volition, XBOX Live Marketplace

Madden NFL 10 Cover Athletes Are?

For the first time two athletes will be on the cover of Madden.  Electronic Arts announced today that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu will both be featured on the cover of Madden NFL 10, set to hit retail shelves on Friday, August 14.

”Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu are exemplary examples of the epic battle between offense and defense in the NFL,” said Sr. Product Manager Anthony Stevenson. “Madden NFL 10 showcases the Fight For Every Yard, and nobody fights harder than Troy and Larry, making them the perfect athletes to grace the cover.”

Larry Fitzgerald will be the second athlete to have been featured on both the Madden NFL cover (Madden NFL 10) and NCAA Football cover (NCAA Football 2005) the first being Shaun Alexander. The three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2009 Pro Bowl MVP reached career highs in reception yards (1,431) and touchdowns (12) in 2008, and set NFL post season records for yards (546), receptions (30), and TDs (7), as he led the Arizona Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII. Fitzgerald’s athleticism and unyielding focus often result in acrobatic catches that change the course of a game.

Troy Polamalu is a 2-time Super Bowl Champion and one of the most recognizable players in the NFL today. Anchoring the Steelers’ vaunted defense, Polamalu frustrates opposing offenses with his All-Pro speed, agility and high-impact tackles. Known for his quick reactions on the field and unrivaled preparation off the field, Polamalu is one of the few defensive players in the NFL who can rush the quarterback, shutdown a receiver in man-to-man, or drop back into zone coverage; making it necessary for the offense to account for him on every single play. Sharing the NFL record for most sacks (3) in a single game by a safety, Polamalu also recorded seven interceptions and 73 total tackles during the Steelers Super Bowl XLIII championship season.

Utilizing the all-new Pro-Tak™ animation technology, Madden NFL 10 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, ensures that the Fight for Every Yard doesn’t end until the whistle blows. This new game changing animation technology delivers steerable tackles, three to nine man gang tackles, as well as the ability to fight for fumbles at the bottom of a pile. In addition, Pro-Tak allows quarterbacks to avoid the oncoming rush to extend a play, or step into the pocket to deliver an in-stride pass.

This year, Madden NFL 10 arrives on the Wii  with breath-taking visuals that will captivate the entire family. Completely redesigned and built from the ground up, Madden NFL 10 introduces a unique art style that will define the look of sports games on the Wii. Bright new stadiums showcase details of NFL fields, plus all-new player models embody characteristics of your favorite athletes. Madden NFL 10 epitomizes what fun looks like on the Wii, delivering the most social and dynamic experience from the franchise to date. Get together with friends and crown a “King of the Couch” during your pre-game tailgate party or during halftime. Quick, exciting game modes ensure that anytime is the right time for Madden NFL 10 on the Wii.

The award-winning Madden NFL franchise will be available on the Xbox 360,  PlayStation 2, PlayStation3, Wii, and PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system.

Technorati Tags: Football, Madden, NGL, Pro-Tak, Video Game

EA Announces the Launch of EA SPORTS Complex

Electronic Arts Inc announced that EA SPORTS Complex launched on PlayStation Home for the layStation 3 computer entertainment system, the 3D social gaming community that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences online. This newly created EA SPORTS space offers users a place to play a variety of unique, casual multiplayer games with friends in PlayStation Home, as well as view exclusive game trailers and videos, to learn more about their favorite EA SPORTS games. At launch, EA SPORTS Complex will feature a tournament-style Texas Hold ‘Em Poker game and EA SPORTS Racing featuring formula-style cars.

“We are extremely proud of the compelling and immersive online offerings that are available at launch for EA SPORTS Complex,” said Rob Burnett, senior producer. “EA SPORTS Complex is a dynamic space and was specifically designed to appeal to not only the hardcore sports fan but casual gamers alike.”

Gamers can challenge up to eight of their friends in a tournament-style Texas Hold ‘Em Poker game and play their way up to a seat at the high roller table. In addition to high-stakes poker, players can get behind the wheel in EA SPORTS Racing and compete for the best time or against their friends in exclusive formula-style cars. Coming soon is EA SPORTS Golf where gamers can hit the driving range and test their stick skills. In addition to the golf game, EA SPORTS Complex will be delivering further features such as leaderboards, poker bracelets and a rewards system in the near future. Moreover, starting today EA SPORTS Complex will be available in North America and Europe. Future rollout of the space to other territories and in other languages will be coming soon.

Alongside these fun and casual games, EA SPORTS Complex will also host game trailers showcasing the newest EA SPORTS titles and in-depth product feature lists. EA SPORTS Complex is truly an interactive space as players can chat and share experiences with one another and earn game-specific achievement rewards. As this dynamic arena grows there will be additional games and franchise-specific environments developed to provide a fresh and new experience.

Technorati Tags: Community, EA Sports, PlayStation Home, Social Gaming

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