Gaming

Microsoft Announces New Media Extenders

After a few year drought (just ask Chris Lanier), Microsoft is re-entering the media extender space via hardware partners with Vista-compatible devices. The new extenders will feature: Various form factors including dedicated set-top boxes, DVD players, and television sets Some devices with integrated N-flavor WiFi DivX and Xvid playback (!) HD-capabilities Hooks into online content … Read more

Massive Sony Video Download Service On The Way?

The Wall Street Journal tips us off to the obvious: “People familiar with the situation” have indicated Sony’s getting into the video download business. Not really a big surprise considering they’re a studio and they’re selling video Walkmen, PSPs (already announced video service), PS3s, and network-connected televisions.

Om Malik writes:

While that is a good move, it also leaves Sony playing in a highly commoditized market, and its best bet to make money from video downloading is by selling hardware.

It’s yet to be seen just how commoditized video downloads are… Heck NBC (may have) dumped Apple’s iTunes and others like HBO don’t have online offerings (yet). An era of exclusivity could be upon us. Perhaps NBC is reserving content for their upcoming Hulu portal. Additionally, Sony has more leverage as a movie and television studio. Given the whole Blu-ray/HD DVD debacle, I could see Sony limiting their content to their services and hardware.

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Got a PSP? Get free HotSpot WiFi.

I was at the office today (aka Starbucks) and my Verizon EVDO card was having difficulty maintaining a connection. So I flipped on over to Melissa’s HotSpot account (she gets access with her T-Mobile Dash plan) and noticed this promotion: It’s easy to kick off your six-month trial period. Just download the latest system software … Read more

60GB PS3 for $349?

Over on TiVo Lovers, I spotted a very attractive deal: Pick up a Sony credit card and Get instant approval and a $150 card credit after your first Sony Card purchase of $299 or more! While televisions are often discounted at big box stores and online retailers, you won’t find significant discounts on the $499 … Read more

Dragon’s Lair Arrives On HD DVD

Ah, Dragon’s Lair… The arcade game I had a love-hate relationship with as a child. The animation was amazing and unique, but the game ran me $1 for each 30 seconds of play. At some point I must have been mature enough to realize I sucked, either that or my mom stopped giving me money, … Read more

Console Sales In Japan (And Grand Theft Auto Delayed)

Japanese gaming publisher Enterbrain is out today with July sales estimates: Wii – 396,752 units moved PS3 – 91,987 Xbox 360 – 17,970 No surprises… The Wii’s on a worldwide tear. I plan on picking one up in another month or so once some of these upcoming games drop. And speaking of upcoming games, the … Read more

PS3 Won’t Be A TiVo

Word out of Sony’s (New Zealand) office is that they’re “hoping” to offer a digital tuner bringing DVR functionality to the PS3 next year. The blog coverage has gotten way ahead of itself… First off, a “digital tuner” in the South Pacific or Europe is not the same as an ATSC or CableCARD tuner needed … Read more

Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs. Wii – Gaming Genius or Fitness Fad: TechLore Mark Cuban Kills The Internet: Connected Home 2 Go Belaboring the CableCARD Issue: Connected Home 2 Go Terayon and Targeted Advertising: Connected Home 2 Go