CrunchGear |  |
- JBL Releases the MS-8: Music Never Sounded So Good
- IDC Forecasts 19.8% Growth For PC Market, Slower Netbook Sales In 2010
- Afraid Of Commitment? iPhone 4 Available SIM-free And Unlocked In UK
- iPhone 4 Up For Pre-Order — Black Only
- Apple releases “Unibody” Mac Mini
- Video gallery: Chiba Institute Of Technology’s awesome robots
- The CHOBI CAM WP is a cute, waterproof, and (very) small camera
- Cristiano Ronaldo re-launches online presence in time for big game tomorrow: Facebook, YouTube, and more!
- Children of Eden: It’s Rez all over again, but better
- BattleTag is… Lazer Tag, reborn
- On the Xbox 360 Kinect experiment and the future of motion controls
- Mad Catz rocks out with new Rock Band 3 accessories
- Kinect’s launch lineup: something for everybody
- Post-it Index Cards: A ray of light in our otherwise dreary day
- Microsoft’s Oprah moment: You’re all getting Xboxes
- Poll: Will you buy the new Xbox 360?
- Xbox 360 gets a few new options for the same price
- Xbox 360 Gets Live Sports In HD From ESPN. Canceling My Cable In 5, 4, 3…
- Flash ported to the iPod Touch, in a manner of speaking
- Microsoft unveils the Kinect, arriving in November for $149
| JBL Releases the MS-8: Music Never Sounded So Good Posted: 15 Jun 2010 06:00 AM PDT
Similar to home audio receivers, the MS-8 comes loaded with a binaural microphone that allows it to make automatic adjustments to the processing of your sound. Even if you have a stock stereo, it's going to make your sound better. In fact, it's the easiest way to make a huge difference is your cars stereo without having to buy new speakers and amplifiers. The install is claimed to be fairly easy, but we'll find out when we get our hands on one. And we do want to get our hands on one. Official Press Release:
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| IDC Forecasts 19.8% Growth For PC Market, Slower Netbook Sales In 2010 Posted: 15 Jun 2010 05:56 AM PDT  IDC reports impressive year-over-year growth for global PC shipments of 27.1% in the first quarter of 2010, which has prompted the company to revise its projection for the entire year. In light of slow but certain economic recovery, IDC now foresees 19.8% growth in 2010, according to its Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. Unlike most of 2009, netbooks are no longer driving the volume as much as in recent times. IDC says the recent market recovery has notably seen a small rebound in higher priced computers, including e-readers and tablets. Although low to mid-range portable PCs continue to dominate the market, desktop computers also recovered with its first yearly growth since the second quarter of 2008.
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| Afraid Of Commitment? iPhone 4 Available SIM-free And Unlocked In UK Posted: 15 Jun 2010 05:53 AM PDT  Today is the day that most of the UK mobile carriers are taking iPhone 4 pre-orders. But, if like me, you're afraid of commitment - well the 2 year mobile contract kind, anyway - then you might want to hold off for now. Apple today has announced the availability and pricing of its latest smartphone SIM-free (sans contract) for British iPhone-touting wannabes shy of signing on the dotted line.
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| iPhone 4 Up For Pre-Order — Black Only Posted: 15 Jun 2010 05:43 AM PDT  Henry Ford once famously said, "Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black." The same can now be said for the iPhone 4. Just moments ago, Apple's latest mobile device was put up for pre-sale on Apple's Online Store. But as was rumored, it's only available for pre-order in black. As the store notes, "White iPhone currently unavailable for pre-order or in-store pickup." They don't give an estimate as to when the white one will be available, but it will undoubtedly be at some point this Summer.
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| Apple releases “Unibody” Mac Mini Posted: 15 Jun 2010 05:39 AM PDT The new computer comes in server and desktop versions. The server version lacks an optical drive and runs OS X Snow Leopard Server while the standard version has received an spec impressive bump.
The Mini hasn’t received a major overhaul in over a year and this complete sea change – especially the graphics support and HDMI port – point to this thing replacing Apple TV in the line-up.
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| Video gallery: Chiba Institute Of Technology’s awesome robots Posted: 15 Jun 2010 04:21 AM PDT
Like many Japanese institutions of higher education, the Chiba Institute Of Technology boasts a faculty or laboratory, which conducts research on nothing but robots. This particular institute’s Department of Advanced Robotics [JP] has been pretty much flying under the radar in recent years, but the department opened a very interesting YouTube channel recently. And some of the robots the researchers in Chiba (just outside Tokyo) have manufactured so far are pretty impressive. Here are four of them. Butterfly robot Here it is up and close: High-speed robot It also can go downstairs (video shot at 1,000 fps): HYPERION 4 CHARIOT 3
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| The CHOBI CAM WP is a cute, waterproof, and (very) small camera Posted: 15 Jun 2010 01:22 AM PDT
It’s cute, it’s as small as an eraser, it’s light, and it’s waterproof: Tokyo-based accessory maker Japan Trust Technology is offering the CHOBi CAM WP, a digital camera that’s actually not waterproof by itself but comes with a special case that makes it possible to take it up to 20m underwater without any problems (IP68).
Spec-wise, buyers get a rather basic camera. It takes pictures in 1,280 x 960 resolution and shoots video in VGA quality (680 x 480/AVI motion JPEG) at 30fps. The CHOBi CAM WP comes with a mono mic, a microSD/SDHC slot (16GB max), and a USB 2.0 port. Case included, the device is sized at just 5.2cm×6cm×3.9cm and weighs 40g (it’s 17g lighter without the case). It’s available in black or silver.
Both the Japan Trend Shop and Geek Stuff 4 U are offering the CHOBi CAM WP to people living outside Japan for a little over $200 plus shipping (you can see the extras it comes with in the picture above).
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| Posted: 14 Jun 2010 07:00 PM PDT
The eyes of the world will be looking upon Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo tomorrow as he attempts to single-handedly take his country past the opening round of the World Cup. (Will Didier Drogba have anything to say about that? We’ll see!) Just in time for Cristiano’s moment in the sun: the launch of his official Facebook page, YouTube channel, and the re-launch of CristianoRonaldo.com! That’s right: while Mr. Real Madrid is on the field in South Africa trying to break down the Côte d’Ivoire defense, you can send him kind words of encouragement via the magic of the Internet and social networks. Cristiano wants you, yes you, to submit to his new and improved Facebook page photos and videos and any little piece of media encouragement you can muster. He (well, his team, presumably) will then put all of this on his own site. (Right now it merely points to his Facebook page.) Being that I’m currently in Los Angeles for E3, this means that I have to wake up at 6am just to see the game against Côte d’Ivoire tomorrow. The things you do…
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| Children of Eden: It’s Rez all over again, but better Posted: 14 Jun 2010 06:08 PM PDT
We may see more from Sony, as the game may also be for the Move. I’ll add the video from Ubi’s presser as soon as it’s up.
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| BattleTag is… Lazer Tag, reborn Posted: 14 Jun 2010 05:51 PM PDT
I don’t know what those do, do don’t ask me. Googlize it! I’ll put some video here later. Maybe.
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| On the Xbox 360 Kinect experiment and the future of motion controls Posted: 14 Jun 2010 04:49 PM PDT
Microsoft has been busy over the last year. It was during E3 2009 that Microsoft blew everyone away with what was then dubbed Project Natal. It promised to bring full body motion control to the 360. We’re getting our first real look at the system at E3 today after last night’s theatrical reveal and, well, it’s keeping that promise. That’s not what’s surprising, though. Project Natal, now called Kinect, was demoed extensively over the last year and most of the media had a chance to play with the early demos. The real surprise today is that Kinect isn’t a Wii clone like it previously seemed. It’s something entirely different that doesn’t target just families or casual gamers. This thing is for real.
There are of course games for little girls (Kinectimals) and groups (Kinect Adventurous & Kinect Sports) that will no doubt be popular at launch. But then there are games for adults as well from Konami, Lucas Arts and Turn 10 Studios, which clearly show that the big boys are fully embracing the next-gen controller system. Yeah, Metal Gear Solid and Star Wars Kinect games in development. How awesome is that? It gets better, though. Microsoft has worked the Kinect to be an alternative Xbox 360 dashboard interface controller. To log-in, you wave your hand. A swipe of said hand moves the on-screen cursor to make selections and browse through media. Kinect even recognizes voice commands. This could be start of something big and *might* be the closest thing to the fabled Minority Report computer yet.
Microsoft’s taking a lot more forward-thinking approach to motion control than Sony or Nintendo. Not having a controller per se definitely has its drawbacks for gaming, but is far superior for an user interface if done properly. If the Kinect experiment — that’s what it is and don’t think anything different — pans out, Microsoft will be well positioned to take motion control to a whole new level on both the gaming console and computer. Now my post could be premature because we haven’t actually spent any time with the final hardware. Plus, I am writing this coming off of two high-energy Microsoft press events, but so far Kinect is exceeding my expectations. Microsoft is positioning this add-on to reach a broad spectrum of customers, and while die-hard gamers might find it corny, there seems to be something for everyone else. But I don’t think I’m alone. The buzz here at E3 is that Microsoft nailed Kinect. We have some face time lined up with Kinect in the coming days. Let’s hope that the demos weren’t deceptive and the motion tracking is as good as it seems. If it is, I’ll officially be on the Kinect bandwagon. Update: Some guy from our hotel just put this sticker on our bathroom mirror. I took a couple of pics before I tore it down.
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| Mad Catz rocks out with new Rock Band 3 accessories Posted: 14 Jun 2010 03:45 PM PDT
First up, the wireless keyboard. Mad Catz put together a keyboard based on a true professional keyboard, allowing the device to either be played on a flat surface, or even strapped over the players shoulder. Just make sure you have your shoulder pads on. Retail for the keyboard controller is expected to come in at $79.99
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| Kinect’s launch lineup: something for everybody Posted: 14 Jun 2010 01:31 PM PDT
Here are our picks for which games will and will not impress buyers when November 4th comes around. Age 4-8 Kinectimals To more mature gamers, this really seems like nothing more than a tech demo, but the popularity of Nintendogs suggests that the virtual pet genre (especially in a family-oriented device) could be ripe for exploitation. Plus: adults can resist buying custom leashes and toys for their pets, but youngsters will throw fits and ask for them as presents. Watching these demos made me think of Black & White. Remember that game? It’d be insane on Kinect.
These suites of minigames are designed for friendly competition, but still have a clear winner and loser, and even replays for bragging rights in Sports. It’s perfect for kids not yet old enough to want Gears but old enough to want to humiliate their opponents. Middle school is the venue for this, and these two titles provide a good environment for it. I’m reminded of the fun I had with a Power Pad, although you can’t cheat by getting down on all fours and pounding the buttons with your hands. I’m skeptical of their kart-racing game, because it looks like skill is totally irrelevant. Kids this age will reject that very quickly.
While they’re waiting for their parents or some older friends to buy them the darker games that GameStop won’t sell them, these teenagers will find some solace in Star Wars. The feeling of power, the massive destruction, and so on. This is a maybe — gameplay is still kind of a mystery, and if Natal isn’t capable of delivering a robust experience, these nascent hardcore gamers will reject it as too arcade-y or casual. The light saber battles better be good. Unfortunately for the Dance Central team, I’m afraid their game won’t prove popular with any demographic. The music isn’t hip enough and the game doesn’t look particularly fun or competitive, unlike DDR, which finds power and reach in simplicity.
I hate to cater to stereotypes here, but in my defense, Microsoft did it first. And although this demo was performed exclusively by women, I actually thought it looked quite good. The Wii Balance Board, while interesting in some ways, really seems archaic next to this thing. The presumed Achilles’ heels of Kinect (lag and lack of fine motor detection) are nonexistent here, so the whole experience can be about the player. It’s also a great conduit for DLC, which many will be happy to pay for: exercise routines, yoga classes, and so on — minus the hassle and exposure of a gym. I suspect this will be a staple, and will be a key property in getting the family in front of the TV.
I don’t pick this merely because guys are supposed to be car lovers, but because this is the kind of video game that will get a non-game-playing dad into the gaming world. Even though the flaws of Kinect will be front and center (no pedals? laggy steering?), the wonder of seeing your gloved hands steering the actual car, and the childish joy looking around a virtual world with your real head will prove a serious draw. They’ll have this on display at a lot of electronics dealerships and dads who missed the gaming boat by a couple years will be lining up to take a turn. (image: Joystiq)
We didn’t see anything of this, but given the level of integration Kinect has with Xbox Live, it’s safe to say we’re probably going to see a whole section of XBLA dedicated to (and perhaps exclusively accessed by) Kinect. I’m sure that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of casual game developers foaming at the mouth here. (image: Electric Pig) Hardcore gamer: Metal Gear Solid Rising (Lightning Bolt Action) All meta-commentary about Kojima stuff, Raiden, and the title aside, this game is what hardcore Wii gamers have been begging for and have never received. That’s assuming it uses the Kinect engine, which was not announced but seems likely. Actually chopping guys up in precise, stylish ways? Blood shooting out everywhere? Convoluted MGS-related storyline and hours of cinematics? It’s going to sell a ton. What’s next? Third party developers are probably only partially done with their games, and like the Wii launch, we’re going to have to subsist on flagship titles and minigames for a while. At $150, it may be a tough sell for people that don’t already have a 360 and Live. But I think in-store demos will really be key for this, and a lot of people will see the ESPN thing and see the possibilities. It’s also a great babysitter. Once word gets out (and likely after a few updates) we’ll see some really compelling bundles with the new hardware — the family pack, the upgrader, the racing pack… and these, complete packages with single prices, will be what will put it in a lot of new living rooms. We’ll have all kinds of hands-on with the final hardware and launch titles later. Keep an eye on the E3 2010 tag for more.
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| Post-it Index Cards: A ray of light in our otherwise dreary day Posted: 14 Jun 2010 12:30 PM PDT
Best of all was his testing regimen. It included, but was not limited to, removing and replacing the cards over 50 times. How many times would you have tested these things? 5? 7? I know, right?
Godspeed you, OfficeSupplyGeek. You go boldly where no one else dares and you are all the better for it.
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| Microsoft’s Oprah moment: You’re all getting Xboxes Posted: 14 Jun 2010 12:19 PM PDT
However, another treat came when they announced all the media at their press event will be getting Xbox 360s immediately and that they would be showing up at their domiciles and places of business posthaste. Ethical issues aside, this is an interesting marketing effort. These sort of giveaways are common at developer events (well, actually just Google IO) and I suspect they’ll become more popular in the coming months. Gear is so cheap to build and ship that it almost makes sense to blanket the evangelists with it. Whereas the old model of “selective releases” works for some products – Apple, in particular excels at this – the Xbox team is dealing with an entrenched base of hardware users who will be loathe to swap out their old Xbox, provided they’re not RRODed. By blanketing the media, they’re ensured that a mass of gamers will think of the new model as the new hotness while imagining the old version as, in contrast, old and busted. As a corollary to this, I suspect you’ll find some great deals on used Xboxen on eBay very soon.
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| Poll: Will you buy the new Xbox 360? Posted: 14 Jun 2010 12:08 PM PDT
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| Xbox 360 gets a few new options for the same price Posted: 14 Jun 2010 12:02 PM PDT  Here it is, the new Xbox 360. It’s a tad smaller, a whole lot more shinny, and overall a cleaner look — but no slim naming scheme. It comes with built in WiFi, 250 GB all for the same price. Oh, and the are shipping tomorrow. Unless you were at the presser like us and then in that case you get one for free. Awesome. What you need to know:
The glossy black case looks pretty sexy with its new slimmer profile. Can’t wait to unbox and try out. We’ll let you know when we do.
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| Xbox 360 Gets Live Sports In HD From ESPN. Canceling My Cable In 5, 4, 3… Posted: 14 Jun 2010 11:50 AM PDT  Everyone is busy talking about Microsoft Kinect (the project formerly known as Natal), but to me, some much bigger news just dropped at E3 from Microsoft: ESPN live sports access. Simply put: this was the only thing holding me back from completely canceling my cable subscription. As soon as this goes live, I'm done with cable forever. No, this live sporting access won't be entirely free, but it's one hell of a deal. You simply have be an Xbox Live Gold member (about $50 a year), and you'll get access to over 3,500 live events a year. In HD. Did I mention it was $50 a year? My cable bill is currently double that -- a month.
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| Flash ported to the iPod Touch, in a manner of speaking Posted: 14 Jun 2010 11:36 AM PDT
Sure it looks horrible and the video is awful, but believe us when we tell you that the same guys who created the Spirit jailbreak have ported Flash to the iPhone. The video, apparently taken through the pinhole camera truck the Bloodhound Gang built back in the 1980s to see where they were being taken after a kidnapping, shows a Strongbad clip. This is obviously a proof of concept in its purest sense – it’s basically a bit of Flash ported to the iPod Touch using some unknown method – but it proves that it’s possible. You can keep your eye on the project by following Comex on Twitter. Bonus Video: Fast forward to 2:12 for a real blast from the past.
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| Microsoft unveils the Kinect, arriving in November for $149 Posted: 14 Jun 2010 11:20 AM PDT
Update: Okay, so Kinect is now officially official for reals this time although we already knew all about it. Key features
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Today JBL has announced the launch of their new 
With the release of Rock Band 3, there’s the inevitable flood of third party peripherals (many better quality then the ones that come with the game). Mad Catz announced their latest line of products, including a wireless keyboard, a Fender Mustang Pro controller, and a MIDI adapter that’ll let a musician use their real keyboard to play the Rock Band 3 game. String tie not included.
Mad Catz also announced the Fender Mustang PRO controller, which allows a player to rock out using a full 17 frets on the neck, and a 6 string strumming area allowing a player to pick individual strings and potentially cut off or mute notes as needed. Regardless, this sounds like one of the most advanced “toy” guitar devices we’ve seen yet. Expect to pay $149.99 for the Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar.
You can tell when someone is in love with office products when they actually “test” them in real life situations. Take 
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