Archive for January, 2006
AVerMedia utilized CES and the Intel booth to showcase the revolutionary new DVB-H technology with its new E570.
DVB-H (mobile television) is largely based on the successful DVB-T specification for digital terrestrial television, adding to it a number of features designed to account for the limited battery life of small handheld devices and the particular environments in which such devices must operate.
The E570 from AVerMedia features low power consumption and superior mobile receiving abilities for handheld devices. The tiny card can be used in conjunction with a number of devices including; mobile phones, PDAs and notebook computers to allow users to watch the latest digital TV programmes whilst on the move. Supporting both L band and UHF band signals users are able to use one device to watch digital TV in North America and Europe.
AVerMedia also demonstrated its new E569 TV Tuner, also a DVB-H solution but in the form of the new Express Card TM interface measuring a mere 34mm. The powerful E569 enables users to not only watch digital TV programmes on their notebook computer but also to run different multimedia programmes simultaneously.
“Mobile TV has been predicted as the next big thing. AVerMedia has demonstrated that we are ready to play a key role in this market along side other backers such as Intel. We provide a complete range of PC-TV solutions for a variety of platforms and are pleased to be a pioneering developer in DVB-H TV Tuner solutions”, says Jon Rainford, Multimedia Product Manager, AVerMedia UK. “The launch of one of the first worldwide DVB-H TV Tuner solutions shows the advance in mobile TV development, but for AVerMedia it also proves our ability to react quickly to market trends. We are excited about becoming a key provider of handheld TV tuners”.
Although the new DVB-H technology is only in testing stages across the UK, AVerMedia will be ready to support and provide solutions to its customers from launch. Trials are currently being held in both Cambridge and Oxford and are expected to run until March. For full information on the availability of DVB-H, visit www.dvb-h-online.org
January 30th, 2006
Business Week has started a raging inferno of internet rumours with an article predicting that Microsoft is to dip a toe deeper into the pool of hardware manufacturing by developing a handheld multimedia device.
At this stage there is absolutely no flesh on the bare bones of the story, with Microsoft reportedly putting together a group to look at the business case for such a move.
Gaming websites have become quite excited over the rumour thanks a comment by Peter Moore (yes, he of the quickly refuted ‘Xbox 360 will get a Blu-Ray drive’ statement last week) who said “Any Microsoft media device would have to leverage the company’s most significant consumer strength, video gaming.”
So we might be looking at something more akin to a PSP than an iPod. A device that combined the best of both worlds would be our favourite.
January 27th, 2006
Electronic Arts today announced March 21st as the day The Godfather: The Game will be on store shelves in North America and March 24th in Europe. Developed by EA, the highly-anticipated open-world videogame is based on the critically-acclaimed book by Mario Puzo and the classic film by Paramount Pictures through a strategic licensing relationship with Viacom Consumer Products. In less than two months, gamers worldwide will step into the Don’s dangerous world of intimidation and negotiation via their PS2, Xbox or PC. The Godfather The Game will also be available for the Xbox 360 and PSP later in 2006.
EA’s The Godfather The Game puts you at the center of one of the world’s most revered stories. In the role of a young man just entering the Corleone family, you create your own mob character and work your way to the top. For the first time ever, you will go beyond the films and book to actually step into the living world of The Godfather fiction throughout 1940s New York City. You will work your way up the mob ranks your own way, choosing just how much force to use as you rise to power. Relive classic moments from the fiction and experience open-world gameplay alongside unforgettable characters from the film such as Luca Brasi, Sonny, Tom Hagan, and of course, Don Vito Corleone himself.
“The Godfather is one of the most exciting, dramatic and memorable works of fiction in the world; for the videogame, we felt it was important to build a complex and responsive open-world that puts you in the heart of the action,” said David DeMartini, Executive Producer of The Godfather The Game. “The deeper you are into the experience the better the game gets,” DeMartini added.
“Our goal has always been to maintain the legacy of The Godfather and empower players to interact in the world based on one of the most remarkable motion pictures of all time,” said Sandi Isaacs, Vice President of Interactive at Viacom Consumer Products. “Electronic Arts has been an exceptional partner and we’re incredibly excited to launch one of the most anticipated games of the year.”
January 26th, 2006
Intel have demonstrated a proof of concept chip with 45 nanometre technology. The Static RAM (SRAM) chip has more than 1 billion transistors and will either double the processing power or half the chip size, while showing the same speed and power as its 65nm predecessors.
Intel’s new baby isn’t ready for production, in fact it’s not even a prototype of a model planned for market. Instead Intel are just showing off the fact that they CAN. It is anticipated that processors using 45nm technology might be shipping in 18-24 months’ time.
January 26th, 2006
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the booth babe is an integral part of most gaming and technology exhibitions. For some reason (can’t imagine why) the PR companies promoting products to the young male demographic seem to think that they will be encouraged to buy based on the fact that an attractive, scantily-clad lady is caressing the box/console/widget. It’s a ridiulous idea.
E3, the biggest and best gaming expo, are obviously in total agreement with TechSmec.com’s moral crusade on this one as they’ve banned the booth babe from this year’s exhibition.
The handbook from the Entertainment Software Association, the show’s promoter, says, “Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the show.”
Exhibitors who flaunt the rules (not to say bare flesh) will receive a verbal warning and then a $5000 on-the-spot fine.
No doubt some will find loopholes in the new rules, but it seems fairly comprehensive. One wonders how Eidos are going to manage to promote Tomb Raider at all seeing as Lara Croft falls foul of the majority of the issues raised.
January 25th, 2006
Option, the wireless technology company, continues the successful execution of its HSDPA strategy with the announcement and initial shipment of a new product within its HSDPA portfolio
- the GlobeTrotter HSDPA.
The new data card delivers speeds of up to 1.8Mbps over an HSDPA network 4,5 times faster than maximum data rates available over 3G UMTS. If no HSDPA network is available the data card will automatically establish the fastest possible connection using 3G, EDGE or GPRS. The GlobeTrotter HSDPA is already shipping in support of the commercial roll-out plans of network operators in EMEA.
Jan Callewaert, CEO Option, said: “The launch of this product is a key step in Option’s strategy to support its operator partners and their customers through this technological change. Where HSDPA has already been launched, our new data card delivers the highest possible mobile data rates ‘out-of-the-box’. Where 3G operators are still deploying the enhanced technology, our ‘HSDPA-Ready’ cards empower operators to maintain their wireless broadband marketing and sales momentum without disadvantaging their customers.”
Serving nearly 3.4 million customers, Mobilkom Austria will become one of the first operators to offer Option’s new HSDPA data card when it starts retailing the Vodafone Mobile Connect Card Broadband (HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE) today. At the same time, a free software upgrade to HSDPA will be made available to any Mobilkom’s customers who previously purchased the UMTS+EDGE ‘HSDPA Ready’ card.
Announced in September 2005, Option’s ‘GlobeTrotter 3G/EDGE HSDPA-Ready’ and ‘GlobeTrotter FUSION+ HSDPA-Ready’ data cards have helped sustain strong demand for wireless data solutions by empowering new users to enjoy the benefits of 3G safe in the knowledge that their data card can be upgraded simply when HSDPA becomes available from their operator.
As soon as an operator is ready to launch HSDPA within its territory, a
simple firmware upgrade, made available via a website, is sufficient to
release the full power of 1.8 Mbps HSDPA.
January 23rd, 2006
Lexar Media has announced availability of its new Professional CompactFlash and Secure Digital flash memory cards designed to deliver optimal performance in all digital SLR cameras.
Speed-rated at 133X, Lexar’s new flash memory products are capable of a minimum sustained write speed of 20MB per second and signify the company’s continued commitment to providing professional photographers with reliable flash memory cards that deliver fast image read and write speeds, and seamless operation throughout each step of the digital imaging workflow process enabling the user to spend more time taking pictures.
“Our new 133X cards allow digital SLR cameras to perform optimally and support the high speed transfer of images and information, and help improve the photographer’s digital imaging workflow,” said John Omvik, director of professional product marketing, Lexar. “Lexar’s new 133X cards are ideal for those photographers who require reliable, high-performance flash memory that makes the most of all the professional-level features available in their digital SLR camera.”
Like all of Lexar’s Professional series CompactFlash memory cards, the new 133X cards include Lexar’s Write Acceleration Technology (WA). The WA technology is designed for optimal performance in digital SLR cameras, allowing these cameras to exchange and store images faster, for super fast image-write speeds. In addition, the new 133X CompactFlash and SD cards include Image Rescue(TM) 2.0, Lexar’s award-winning image recovery software, and a trial version of Photo Mechanic(TM) 4.0, the popular image browsing software from Camera Bits. As with all of Lexar’s professional products, each card includes a lifetime warranty and unlimited access to Lexar’s dedicated technical support team for professional photographers.
“Second to reliability, speed is the name of the game in digital photography, and Lexar has a lengthy history providing cards and accessories that are not only fast but also substantially improve workflow,” said professional photographer Vincent Laforet. “Having 133X cards in both card formats allows me to leverage both slots in my Canon EOS 1D Mark II. By storing RAW files on my CF cards and JPEGs on my SD card, I maximize my camera’s technology and reduce administrative time when I’m back in my studio,” he added.
“I am constantly working from remote locations like the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge and the Australian rainforests, so I need fast cards with the maximum capacity,” said professional wildlife photographer Moose Peterson. “I am very impressed with Lexar’s new 133X CompactFlash card because I know that they are capable of rapidly storing and uploading large images, especially those taken during burst mode shooting with the Nikon D2Hs. I love taking as many pictures as I can without changing cards and I shoot confidently knowing that in addition to an immediate write speed, the 4GB 133X has plenty of room for my largest files.”
In addition to a valuable suite of software, Lexar is providing additional value to its 2GB SD flash memory card package by including a high-speed USB 2.0 Card Reader with its 133X cards to proactively address industry compatibility issues that may otherwise arise with some SD card readers. Lexar’s new 133X speed-rated Professional Series CompactFlash and SD flash memory cards are currently available in photo specialty stores and through online resellers.
Additional information regarding Lexar’s new 133X Professional Series flash memory cards can be found on the company’s digital photography website, located at http://www.lexar.com/dp. Lexar’s digital photography website includes valuable information and tutorials to help photographers fully utilize the unique features Lexar products offer and achieve a more rewarding experience shooting and working with digital images. Additionally, this popular site provides detailed information about new photography techniques, products and services, as well as interesting feature stories, a pro blog and background information about the many professionals who count on Lexar’s flash memory cards and accessories to help them succeed.
January 19th, 2006
Seagate announced on Monday that it is shipping the Seagate Momentus 5400.3 - its new 2.5-inch notebook PC drive featuring perpendicular recording, a technology that permits greater data density. In fact the drive packs in 132GB per square inch, creating a 160GB total capacity. The Momentus 5400.3 currently uses Ultra ATA 100 connectivity.
Seagate won’t stop there though. They plan to incorporate perpendicular recording into their 1 inch and 3.5 inch ranges as well by the end of 2006.
Momentus 5400.3 drives were built to sustain 350 G’s of operating shock (900 G’s while powered down) and are covered by the company’s 5-year warranty.
“Seagate is helping system builders meet growing demand for notebook PCs with desktop capabilities by delivering 2.5-inch disc drives that provide some of the industry’s highest levels of power efficiency, ruggedness, performance and capacity,” said Karl Chicca, Seagate senior vice president and general manager, Personal Storage. “Our transition to perpendicular technology increases our ability to meet the needs of our growing customer base.”
“The trend is clear: the number of notebook PC users is growing, and they demand higher capacity disk drives,” said John Rydning, IDC’s research manager for hard disk drives. “IDC estimates that Notebook PCs with 80GB or more of disk drive capacity will grow from less than 10% of notebook shipments in 2004 to nearly 50% in 2006, providing opportunities for high-capacity mobile drives such as Seagate’s new Momentus 5400.3.”
January 18th, 2006
Game: FIFA 06
Platform: PSP
Publisher: EA
Price: £29.99 (Amazon.co.uk)
Reviewer: Jay Neill (TechSmec.com staff)
The FIFA series of games needs no introduction. Anyone who has owned a football game has probably owned one of the previous versions, either on the PlayStation or the PC. Now we have a new platform in the shape of the PSP and it was only a matter of time before there was a version of FIFA that we could play on the handheld. The PSP was very poorly served for football games at its launch, with the much-maligned World Tour Soccer the only option. Just like waiting for a bus, two new footie games with big reputations have arrived at once and fans must now choose between Pro Evolution Soccer 5 and FIFA 06. We’ve been spending some time with FIFA 06, so read on for our verdict.
Firstly, portable devices are made for games like FIFA 06, which you can just pick up in a spare moment and play a quick game. For some reason it doesn’t seem quite so appealing to grind out another few levels of a platformer in a stolen moment on the train. There are a variety of game formats in FIFA 06, including standalone matches, where you can choose both teams, their kit, the weather, even the stadium. These will take about 15 minutes to complete on the default settings which feels just about right. If you’re in for the long haul then there are tournament and season modes to keep you busy, in which you work your way through an entire league season, or World Cup style competition. FIFA 06 is also blessed (or possibly cursed, depending on your point of view) with a ball-juggling mini-game. The object here is, predictably, to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. You can choose a player to control, but this is mere eye candy. The ability to play keepy-uppy is entirely dependent on your ability to press the right key at the right time. As mini-games go its accessible, but not exactly thrilling. We’re more interested in the real guts of the game - playing football matches.
Is your eyesight up to scratch? It will need to be. There’s a lot of pitch packed into the PSP’s screen and the size of each player can’t be much more than 75 pixels high with the standard camera view. As a result there isn’t really anything to distinguish between players until you get closeups after a piece of noteworthy action. At this point you realise that the players are very well modelled and you can generally recognise most of the likenesses. For some reason Robert Pires is spot on, but Frank Lampard leaves a lot to be desired.
The controls are a little fiddly. The analog stick, which you use to control player movement, is a little unresponsive and in moments of pressure it’s all too easy to have you player heading in the wrong direction. Dribbling is made all but impossible and you finish each game with your left thumb throbbing from the punishment it takes. The passing and shooting controls are pretty standard and a good variety of moves can be put together without being a FIFA 06 expert. Once you master the basics there’s a wealth of special moves that can be attempted, but again, beware the punishement this will inflict on your fingers and thumbs, especially after a long duration match.
Player AI is getting better with every version of FIFA, but it’s still not perfect. Your teammates often do a good job of supporting you. They’ll go on runs with their arm aloft to get your attention, or track back quickly when the opposition breaks. Strangely, the opposition AI seems a little flakier. Your opponents will often, when faced with one of your defenders, turn around and run the other way back up the pitch. We’re not complaining though as this often leads to a mistake on their part if you press the player hard.
The commentary is better than average. In the UK version EA have managed to enlist the ’skills’ of ITVs Clyde Tyldesley and Sky’s Andy Gray. Readers familiar with the former’s style will know that he has to be the most scripted commentator in football, never one to miss the opportunity to unleash a 20 second pre-pared witticism. This may be his undoing in live commentary, but it does mean that you hardly notice that you’re listening to a computer commentate and not the real thing. Mr Gray sounds a lot less real than his virtual colleague and starts to repeat himself with alarming regularity. As much as we whinge about football game commentaries, there’s no doubt that they add something to the gameplay and FIFA 06’s isn’t really a bad attempt, despite the inevitable one second lag between a goal being scored and the commentary catching up.
At the time of writing we’ve played around 40-50 matches and the game is still difficult to master, even on the easy settings. Scoring is hard enough to give you a real thrill and we’ve yet to come across a ‘killer’ move that guarantees a goal, the point at which interest generally wanes in football games. FIFA 06 is a solid title and one that deserves a look by fans of the series and casual football fans alike, but it doesn’t reignite the genre.
Graphics
The PSP’s small screen isn’t ideal for displaying the vast areas of pitch necessary to make the game playable, but the odd close-up shows the players to be well modelled. The stadia are nothing short of excellent - shame about the 2 dimensional crowds though 7/10
Sound
Decent attempt at commentary and ambient sound. The crowd’s language-ambiguous chanting get annoying after a while though - 7/10
Gameplay
Bizarrely tiring on the thumbs to play after a while, but great fun while you still have the stamina - 7/10
Verdict
Although Pro Evolution Soccer 5 is a strong challenger, FIFA 06 is a good footie title on the PSP and deserves a playtest. If you’re not a fan of football gaming this one won’t change your mind though - 7/10
January 17th, 2006
The iPod has become such a ubiquitous part of the London commuter cityscape that it’s not surprising it has crossed over from being a gadget for the technically literate to a device also owned by the luddite.
Yes, it seems that the good folk of London are finding it so hard to actually use their iPods that world famous department store Selfridges is managing to extract £100 from its customers for a 40 minute iPod driving lesson.
That’s the instore price. If you want someone to come to your home there’s an additonal surcharge.
The lesson includes the use of iTunes, installing and deleting videos, creating playlists and downloading Podcasts.
TechSmec.com is firmly of the opinion that if you can’t work out how to use an iPod you should probably be banned from owning one, but we can’t fault the business sense of Selfridges. Being Londoners through and through, it pains us to put fingers to keypad on this story and we pray, for the sake of the rest of the world, that your citizens are a little cleverer than our neighbours.
January 16th, 2006
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