Sony revealed today the new PlayStation Eye for the PS3.  The next model of Eye-Toy, now with a build in microphone and takes advantge of “huge advances in USB camera and microphone technology”  (from what?  the Eye-Toy?!)

According to [Half life source]:

The camera is a multi-tasking piece of equipment in that it will perform the normal tasks of taking photographs and creating video files for storage on the PS3 hard drive, but also comes with integrated software called EyeCreate that allows the user to create professional looking movies. The camera also sports a 120 frame-per-second rate (at 320 x 240, and 60 frames per second for 640 x 480), that allows for smooth video and even nice low-light operation. It has an adjustable zoom that features a 56 degree field of view for close-up work and a 75 degree field of view for a full view of you and part of the room.

There was no word on pricing… it will be interesting to see Sony’s price point.

Ok, so a little research shows some more information over at the [PS3 Fanboy site]

So the fan boy is saying that this isn’t a toy (which I gathered from Sony dropping the word ‘toy’ from the name) with features like ‘a noise reduction mic’, Low-light capture, Time lapse control, and a 4 channel audio input.

Now I just bought a new webcam, that about 1/2 the speed of this camera, minus the mic, for $30.  the PS-EYE is going for $59.99

Now I wonder if it’ll be PC (USB) compatible, but I would still call it a stretch to say this is a ‘revolutionary’ web cam.  Just what looks to be a good one.

The [Register hardware] is reporting that the next generation of Xbox 360 due in August, is to include the 65 nanometer ‘Jasper’ version of the graphics processing unit.  The TEN report also claimed MS is already working on Japser’s successor, ‘Valhalla’, due to be implement in Q3 2009.

Yep, this time over at ['The Register: Hardware']

The report is reporting a rumor that Microsoft has ordered Xbox 360’s with Blu-Ray drives in a possible partnership with Asus.   It looks like Pegatron Technoloy will be doing the assembly of the new 360’s and we’re looking at about a 6 month turn around time.

Now Microsoft hasn’t ever confirmed or denied that it’s working on a blu-ray player for the 360, then have only confirmed they are NOT in talks with Sony over the technology.

[Update: 05/06/08]
According to Microsoft though, it’s not. Talking to Gamepro, a representative has been quick to step forward and deny this latest information saying that “games are what drive consumers to purchase game consoles, and [Microsoft] remains focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available.”
[Site]

(It would also help if Blu-Ray wasn’t so freaking slow!!!)

However.. [SLASHDOT] is reporting (and I quote)

“Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer had admitted that Microsoft had been working on support for Blu-ray under Windows during this year’s Mix08 conference. Rumors began to swirl and many began to expect Microsoft to announce a Blu-ray peripheral for the Xbox 360. However, Microsoft came out and denied all rumors, stating that they were not exploring any kind of Blu-ray add-on or in talks with Sony about integrating Blu-ray into the Xbox experience. After months of rumors and denials, the Xbox 360 with a Blu-ray disc drive is due to be manufactured soon and shipped in Q3 of 2008. Pegatron Technology, an OEM subsidiary of Asustek Computer, is reported to have received the winning order from Microsoft for a Blu-ray equipped Xbox 360.”

Which is what *I* said a while ago, M$ wasn’t in talks with Sony.. didn’t mean they weren’t working on getting Blu-Ray to the 360, or that it wasn’t coming for the 360 but for the ‘720′ or what ever the next Xbox is.

I’m the kind of guy that loves customizing his computer. No boring beige box and single monitor for me. I’ve got a nice window in the side of the case to show off my awesome hardware and liquid cooling system. The two wall-mounted LCDs help me stand out a bit too. However, one thing I haven’t really thought about is customizing my keyboard. Sure, I can program a few function keys to my liking, but nothing like this DX1 keyboard.

The DX1 is about as customizable as you can get. While it has only 25 keys, it’s not really meant for typing, but rather as a tool to aid you in whatever line of work (or play) you’re doing. Each key can be placed anywhere on the board, and moved on a whim. You’re welcome to assign shortcuts and macros to each key, however, you don’t need to worry about how it interacts with multiple programs as it will remember your preferences for each. This customizable keyboard will set you back more than most, at $139 it is a bit salty, but would be well worth it to some.

Source: UberReview
[Via CoolestGadgets]

The famous Ben Heck has just lifted the veil on its brand new Xbox 360 controller mod that allows you to play your favorite Xbox 360 games with just one hand. Unfortunately, this controller needs a couple of AA batteries to function, so it might end up being heavier than what some people are comfortable with. If the D-Pad that you see here looks familiar, that’s because it has been ported over from the PlayStation. Apparently Ben Heck is slaving away on a mass-produced version which will be pronouncedly different compared to this model.

Source: Crunchgear

[Via CoolestGadgets]

“So, why should you, the consumer care?  One reason is that the current PS3 with the software upgrades is much more cost effective than the Blu-Ray player models above listed.  Another is that the wait time needed for the software upgrades to enable the PnP functionality.  The PS3 is the best choice at the moment, until Sony gets everything smoothed out with its hardware issues as a result of their victory in the Hi-Def DVD race.  What is Sony going to do next?  Stay tuned!

Looks like Nvidia is prepping itself to roll out its first GeForce 9 series graphics chip known as the GeForce 9600 GT on February 21st.

The 9600 GT adopts a 65nm process and is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The GPU sees an increase in processing units, 64, and memory bus width, 256-bit, over previous 8600 GTS cards, 32 and 128-bit. The GPU’s performance should see an increase of over 40% compared to the 8600 GTS, said the sources. The new GPU also introduces Dual-Streaming Decode technology which allows two high-definition image decoding processes to be performed at the same time and provides picture in picture (PIP) functionality.

Thankfully, you won’t have to fork out so much for this sweet spot graphics card as it will retail between $169 and $189.

[Via CoolestGadgets]

We’ve heard over and over and over how a Blu-ray movie player add-on for the Xbox 360 was a distinct possibility if the HD DVD format ended up losing out. Well, now that the Microsoft-supported format seems just one step away from dead, we’re hearing rumblings of just how possible that Blu-ray player possibility is.

Citing “insiders at Microsoft in the USA,” Australia’s Smarthouse says Microsoft’s Blu-ray add-on is already fully designed, and could be on the market within three months, “subject to internal marketing and sales approvals.” Smarthouse also repeated the rumors of a built-in high-def drive for the system, although now that rumored drive plays Blu-ray discs instead of an HD DVDs. Regardless, the tech site seems to think Microsoft will focus on digital movie downloads for those who don’t want an add-on.

As for Sony, they couldn’t be happier that Microsoft is considering jumping over to the “winning” side of this HD disc battle. “We would welcome Microsoft to the Blu-ray stable,” SCE Managing Director Michael Ephraim told Smarthouse. “In fact it is quite logical for them as the PS3 has been very successful in driving consumers to Blu-ray. In fact we believe that it has done more to win the format war than traditional Blu-ray player.” Hey, they just won a format war … they can afford to be a little smug.

[Via Megatonik]

[Via JoyStick]

Posted Feb 16th 2008 8:29AM by Richard Lawler

Japan’s NHK has followed up The Hollywood Reporter’s earlier indications Toshiba was ready to dump its money-losing HD DVD business, with news that the company is prepared to cease manufacturing software and hardware, at a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars. This caps the worst week ever for red, when HD DVD was dumped by Netflix and Wal-mart, pushed to the background by Best Buy and put on — an apparently incredibly short — deathwatch right here. Toshiba is mum on the subject right now, but we hear there’s plenty of cheap players and movies in a dumpster around back of the HQ.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in; via Reuters; warning, Japanese read link]

Update: Along with an English translation of the NHK’s article (Thanks sfditty!) comes additional confirmation from Reuters sources, it’s a wrap. Toshiba is shutting down its DVD manufacturing facilities in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, while official word is expected “soon”.

Every once in a while, somebody takes two of my favorite things and manages to combine them together in happy unity. Case in point: Electric Arts (EA) new advancements in Nerf and Wiimote technology.

EA plans to release this Nerf/Wiimote combo in tandem with a new game called Nerf N-Strike. This contraption that you see to your left doesn’t yet have an official name, but it is a Nerf shooter as well as a Wiimote for first person shooter games.

EA has been working with well-known toy company Hasbro on many products. These two companies have been developing video game versions of its most popular games, including Yahtzee, Trivial Pursuit, Operation, and Monopoly Here and Now: World Edition.

Now I will finally be able to literally shoot something when I play Wii games, and I don’t have to worry about cracking the TV screen. I wonder if this blaster shoots Nerf disks or suction cup darts, because it would be cool to have the darts stick to your television screen.

I can’t help but wonder what kind of game Nerf N-Strike will be. If this product is targeted to the younger crowd, then “get ready for some family-friendly bloodless action!” I guess we’ll have to wait and see, as no release date or price has been set.

Source