Archive for May 12th, 2005
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is launching a “Mobile Web Initiative” to improve the experience of browsing the web on mobile devices.
Anyone who has attempted to use the web on a PDA will realise that it can be a hit and miss affair. Just because a site is usable on a desktop browser is no guarantee that the same site will be easy to use on a mobile device, even if the developers have taken steps to make it compatible.
“Mobile access to the Web has been a second class experience for far too long,” explained Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director. “MWI recognizes the mobile device as a first class participant, and will produce materials to help developers make the mobile Web experience worthwhile. ”
Mobile Web Initiative participants will initially focus on two areas: best practices and mobile device descriptions. The Mobile Web Best Practices Working Group is chartered to develop authoring guidelines, checklists and best practices to help content providers to develop Web content that works well on mobile devices. The Device Description Working Group is chartered to address the development of improved device description solutions, that is, a database of descriptions that can be used by content authors to adapt their content to a particular device.
W3C is already active in the mobile Web space, developing Web standards for multimodal interaction and device-independent design, as well as profiles for mobile devices; related standards include XHTML, SVG Mobile Profiles, and SMIL Mobile Profile. MWI work will complement these current efforts.
May 12th, 2005
British comms giants O2 and NTL are teaming up to test mobile TV broadcasts in the UK. 350 Oxford residents (and O2 customers) will be given a Nokia 7710 handset which enables them to pick up mobile TV broadcasts using the DVB-H transmission standard - a standard specifically designed for mobile TV reception.
They will have access to a package of channels including 3 channels from satellite broadcaster Sky - Sky News, Sky Sports News and Sky Travel. CNN, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel will also be involved. As yet no terrestrial broadcasters are signed up, but there is space for 8 more channels on the network so NTL are hopeful of tempting them in.
“We have had overwhelming interest in involvement from across the broadcast and media sector and we’re delighted to be able to welcome on board the first batch of major broadcasters,” said Terry Howard, head of media business development at NTL Broadcast.
“We know from our own research that well over half of UK mobile users are very interested in watching their favourite TV programmes on their mobiles, which is why we are aiming to put together such a compelling channel line-up. This trial will give a useful insight into how the new technology performs, and we intend to use that information to inform the broadcasters, mobile operators and Ofcom about the consumer appeal of the service. We look forward to welcoming other channel providers and terrestrial broadcasters on board for the trial.”
May 12th, 2005
You can tell that E3 is just around the corner as the number of PSP game announcements in the last few days has swelled to a flood.
Here’s a summary…
Sega is porting Virtua Tennis 2 across from the PS2. The new game will be called Virtua Tennis World Tour and will feature all the usual gamestyles from the series - World Tour, Exhibition and Tournament. There will, of course, be the obligatory 4 player wifi.
“Virtua Tennis on PSP successfully combines the legendary gameplay of the Virtua Tennis range with great new features designed for the gamer on the go,” commented the recently promoted Matt Woodley, creative director of SEGA. “Add to that a roster of licensed players and the game looking gorgeous on the PSP’s amazing screen and you’ve got what I believe is a must-have title.”
Sony themselves have announced that it will distribute two new title, GripShift and FRANTIX.
GripShift is one of the first video games for the PSP system to combine high-flying stunt driving and unique puzzle-solving action in an all-out, pedal-to-the-metal racing experience. Players will race as one of six unique characters in supped-up, customizable vehicles as they stunt their way through insane twisting levels while collecting power-ups, avoiding traps, beating the clock and challenging friends. Featuring more than 100 levels of puzzle-like challenges in fun, vibrant environments, and additional bonus games, players can race solo or with up to three other players via the PSP system’s built-in wireless feature.
FRANTIX is one of the first character-based 3D puzzle-solving adventures for the PSP system. Developed by Killer Game, FRANTIX offers frenzied puzzle-solving action, beautiful 3D graphics, more than 150 challenging levels for players to enjoy, power pick-ups, and a diverse array of monsters and unique obstacles. The game features quick-paced action, surreal environments and challenging levels with deadly traps and dangerous hazards for an extremely fun and captivating gameplay experience.
Finally, Midway is bringing three titles straight across from the PS2. Mortal Kombat: Deception is said to be pretty much identical to the MK: Deception title on the console. It should be out by the end of the year.
Midway Arcade Treasures contains an impressive 21 retro titles.
The final Midaway port is NBA Ballers.
Expect more game announcements in the next few days and weeks.
May 12th, 2005
Nintendo is partnering with IGN Entertainment, owners of Gamespy, to create an expansive network for the DS to let people around the world link easily and wirelessly to play games. The service will debut later this year.
“With minimum setup procedures, Nintendo DS owners will be able to enjoy Wi-Fi gaming just as easily as if they were playing with their friends in the same room,” explains Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. “To realize this simple and seamless transition to Wi-Fi gaming, we’re partnering with one of the leaders in the multiplayer gaming world. Accessing the service will require no added Nintendo subscription charges, whether users hook up using a home broadband Wi-Fi connection or access a Wi-Fi hotspot at a coffee shop, library or elsewhere. It doesn’t get any easier than that.”
The service will be used by a variety of upcoming games, including the previously announced Animal Crossing DS. Other titles will be revealed in the coming weeks. When using the service, DS owners can choose whether they would like to play with friends or strangers, whether nearby or on the other side of the world.
The service represents the first foray by IGN’s GameSpy into portable games.
“We’re excited to bring the technology that powers more than 300 PC and console video games to Nintendo’s innovative wireless platform. Now developers can easily and confidently add advanced matchmaking, community and other multiplayer services to their Nintendo DS games,” says Mark Stieglitz, general manager of IGN Entertainment’s GameSpy Technology Group. “We’re honored that Nintendo is choosing IGN’s GameSpy as their middleware partner, and look forward to a very long relationship.”
May 12th, 2005