Memory Card based music player-new for 2009

SanDisk unveils memory card-based music player

LAS VEGAS: SanDisk Corp unveiled a portable digital music system based on memory cards preloaded with songs, signalling a shift in its strategy to compete against the iPod. (8 Jan, 2009) SanDisk announced the Sansa slotRadio player and companion line of slotRadio music cards at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday, along with other products including tiny, high-capacity memory cards for mobile phones. The music system is designed for the casual music consumer and consists of a modest-looking player -- square and about as think as deck of card -- that comes bundled with a fingernail-sized memory card. The card holds 1,000 mostly classic tunes picked from Billboard magazine charts and arranged into playlists according to genre. The player and card will sell for about $100; additional cards, which may be introduced around specific genres, themes or artists, will sell for about $40. SanDisk, the No. 1 supplier of flash memory-based data storage cards, for years has been a distant No. 2 to Apple Inc in the portable music player market. A company spokesman called SanDisk a "strong No. 2," adding that its market share is bigger than Nos. 3, 4 and 5 combined. But the spokesman confirmed a shift in focus at SanDisk away from devices mimicking Apple's iPod and toward memory-based units. SanDisk has yet to live up to Chief Executive Eli Harari's hopes of transforming itself into a "consumer electronics powerhouse," a suggestion he made two years ago at CES. Like Sony Corp, Hewlett-Packard Co and others, SanDisk has failed to make a significant dent in the iPod's total market share. In the meantime, it has had to deal with overproduction and excess supply in the flash memory industry. Falling demand for consumer gadgets that use portable flash memory, in the wake of the economic downturn, is further hurting the industry. (for more details: http://infotech.indiatimes.com/Personal_Tech/GadgeTech/SanDisk_unveils_memory_card-based_music_player/articleshow/3950333.cms

Sony's pocket size Vaio personal computer

Sony unveils pocket-sized Vaio

LAS VEGAS: Japanese electronics giant Sony debuted a powerful, fashionable notebook computer small enough to fit in a purse or suit jacket. (8 Jan, 2009)

The Vaio P Series “lifestyle” personal computer is the size of a standard business envelope for mail and weighs a mere 1.4 pounds.

"It easily fits in a purse and I know for a fact it fits in a jacket pocket," Stan Glasgow, head of Sony's operations in the United States, said as he unveiled a garnet-coloured P Series Vaio in Las Vegas on the eve of the Consumer Electronics Show. "Aside from its design, it is a serious piece of technology."

The mini-notebook has built-in Bluetooth and wireless Internet connection hardware along with global positioning satellite (GPS) technology.

"You can be connected where ever there is a cell phone signal," Glasgow said.

The stylishly small Vaio has a high-resolution 8-inch LCD screen. It is priced at $900 and will be available in stores late this month, according to Sony.

http://infotech.indiatimes.com/Personal_Tech/Sony_unveils_pocket-sized_Vaio/articleshow/3950739.cms

A New Smartphone by Palm

Palm unveils smartphone, OS

LAS VEGAS: Palm Inc unveiled a new touchscreen smartphone and operating system, marking its latest attempt to catch up with competition from Research In Motion Ltd's BlackBerry and Apple Inc's iPhone.

At the International Consumer Electronics Show, Palm executives touted their Pre, which looks similar to the iPhone, with a face dominated mostly by a 3.1-inch touchscreen and single button. The body of the Pre is black and slightly curved, with a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out from the bottom.

In an effort to capture both business and consumer users, the Pre will come loaded with features including Wi-Fi, stereo Bluetooth and GPS, as well as 8GB of storage space, a 3 megapixel camera and music and video playback. The Pre also has a variety of sensors, such as an accelerometer so images on the screen will rotate when a user turns the device on its side.

Many of these features are already available on rival phones, including the iPhone, the latest BlackBerry models and HTC Corp's G1 that was released in the fall by T-Mobile and Google Inc.

Palm has been overshadowed in the last several years by the success of these products -- especially by the growth of BlackBerry smartphones among business customers and, since its June 2007 release, of iPhones among consumer users.

According to data from comScore Inc, as of October, Palm devices accounted for about 15.6 per cent of the US smartphone market. Some of Palm's smartphones run on its own operating system, while others use Microsoft Corp's Windows Mobile operating system.

Palm, a pioneer in the market for handheld digital assistants, now hopes its latest offering can stand out.

"We think it's the one phone you can use for your entire life and you'll really enjoy using it," Palm Chief Executive Ed Colligan said at a news conference.

The Pre will be available in the second half of the year, exclusively on Sprint Nextel Corp's wireless network. Palm did not disclose the price.

The device comes with Palm's new operating system, Palm webOS, which the company also debuted. It is meant to connect various applications -- for example, it will automatically synchronise contacts stored in Facebook, Gmail and Outlook, strip out duplicates and present the information in a master list.

Applications developed for Palm's older operating system will not work on the new platform, Colligan said in an interview.

Palm has been working on the new phone and operating system for "more than a couple years," Colligan said, and they represent "a complete reinvigoration of the company." "We're really re-launching Palm to some extent," he said.

In addition to the Pre and the new operating system, Palm showed off a unique accessory -- a wireless charger for the Pre called the Touchstone. When a Pre is placed on top of it, the gadget powers the phone through induction.

http://infotech.indiatimes.com/Personal_Tech/Palm_unveils_smartphone_OS/articleshow/3955213.cms

Microsoft's new operating system-WINDOWS 7

High demand for WINDOWS 7, a new operating system crashes Microsoft's servers

The big question is whether Windows 7 will replace Vista. Well, will it?

By Matt Warman 09 Jan 2009 (Telegraph.co.uk)

Windows 7 downloaders have crashed Microsoft's servers

Interest in Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, is apparently significantly greater than the software giant had anticipated – the company’s servers ground to a halt almost immediately they opened for business from developer subscribers earlier today. Now, with the number of global downloads for the general public limited to just 2.5million, it’s likely that the free beta stocks will run out almost instantly.

This is despite the company’s official recommendation that typical consumers consider the beta as simply an experiment that’s primarily only suitable for the technically very literate and those pride themselves on being “early-adopters”.

In fact, however, the high-level of demand has been building for months. Windows 7 has proved itself to be unusually popular with developers, who have praised the operating system for being stable, efficient and more intuitive than its predecessor Vista was at an equivalent stage in development.

An official, final release date for the programme has not yet been confirmed by Microsoft, but the public beta will expire in August. Since the company says that it already contains all the features that are planned, that makes a release in time for Christmas seem plausible. Officially, the deadline for the product has been announced as early 2010. Previous deadline for Vista were allowed to slip, but Windows 7 has consistently been on schedule so far.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/microsoft/4209917/Windows-7-downloaders-crash-Microsofts-servers.html

Top sought out games of 2009 for XBox 360, PS3 and Wii

Most wanted video games of 2009 for XBox 360, PS3 and Wii

I came across this review of video games in the Telegraph (UK) and I thought I will bring it to the attention of my readers. Ten games were selected and reviewed in the anticipation that they may be very sought out for 2009.

By Nick Cowen and Tom Hoggins
30 Dec 2008

Halo 3: ODST
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Released: Autumn 2009

Master Chief 's tale may be over, but the Halo universe is still ripe for exploration and expansion. Two new Halo games arrive in 2009: Halo Wars, a console-friendly real-time strategy game and ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), the much anticipated next first-person-shooter title in the franchise. Taking place on Earth at the same time as the events of Halo 2, ODST puts you in the heavily armoured suits of the eponymous trooper squad. While Halo's outstanding gunplay will be present and correct, the game is said to be more 'film noir' in tone. It will be fascinating to see where the series goes without its hero, but with series creators Bungie at the helm, we are confident that ODST will be another superb, action-packed adventure. (TH)

MadWorld
Platform: Wii
Developer: Platinum Games
Publisher: Sega
Released: March 2009

Arguably the most controversial title in the pipeline for 2009, MadWorld could be pitched as “The Running Man meets Itchy & Scratchy”. Players control Jack, a contestant in an ultra-violent gameshow set in the future, in which the aim is to eviscerate as many opponents as gruesomely as possible. Aside from slashing up foes with a chainsaw, players will have the opportunity to electrocute them with live cables, stab them through the face with street signs and toss them into giant meat grinders. If all this sounds brutally horrific then, well... it is. And it's about time! Sega is to be applauded for attempting to bring more adult fare to the Wii console. If you disagree, don't worry, because MadWorld has to get past the censors first and if the furore surrounding Manhunt 2 was anything to go by, the BBFC is going to come down on this game like an anvil. (NC)

Alan Wake
Platform: Xbox 360
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Released: TBC 2009

Will it? Won't it? Whether Max Payne developer Remedy's new psychological thriller will ever actually see release has been as much a mystery as the games closely concealed plot since 2006. A new trailer has put those fears to bed and Alan Wake looks alive and kicking. A best-selling horror author, Wake arrives in the small town of Bright Falls to write his new book, based on his own nightmares. These terrifying visions then begin to alter the rural settlement to bear a horrifying resemblance to Wake's new story. The long delay for Alan Wake could see the game suffer mechanically, but the fascinating horror narrative could drive it to live up to expectations that have been building ever since the 360's release. (TH)

God Of War III
Platform: PS3
Developer: SCE Studios Santa Monica
Publisher: Sony Computer EntertainmentSega
Released: TBC 2009

At the end of 2007, the PS3's games catalogue seemed anorexic compared to that of its closest competitor. But as 2008 draws to a close Sony's console is almost on level pegging with the Xbox 360, and if things continue in this vain 2009 looks set to be even better. One of the key ingredients in Sony's console war strategy next year is God Of War III. Expected in March, the latest installment has a lot riding on it; not only will it have to match the high pedigree of its predecessors, it carries the added responsibility of being one of the Sony's flagship franchises. We can only hope that Kratos's upcoming adventure will be as packed with sex, violence and mythology as his past ones. At the very least gamers will find out what happened after the cliffhanger ending of God Of War II (pictured). (NC)

Heavy Rain
Platform: PS3
Developer: Quantic Dream
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Released: TBA 2009

The first tantalising glimpse of David Cage's new thriller at this year's Leipzig Conference indicated that in terms of visuals and characterisation, Heavy Rain looks to be raising the bar for video games. The game's plot is being kept under wraps, but Heavy Rain's success looks to depend on its branching storyline. You will control multiple characters and should you die during the game, that character will perish for good and the story will continue without them. With its unique control system and the exciting prospect of a truly organic plot, Heavy Rain has the potential to be a real breakthrough for storytelling in the medium. (TH)

BioShock 2: Sea Of Dreams
Platform: PS3, PC and Xbox 360
Developer: 2K Marin
Publisher: 2K Interactive
Released: TBC 2009

Out of all of the games on our list, BioShock 2 probably has the toughest act to follow. Its predecessor (pictured) not only garnered critical acclaim from both the mainstream and games industry press, it sold by the truckload, inspired rabid fandom and is currently in the process of being adapted for the screen by the team behind the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise. In fact, when news of BioShock 2 first emerged, there was a lot of online speculation that it was simply a rumour started by 2K Interactive to inflate its market share price in order to stave off the takeover bid from EA. BioShock 2 couldn't exist; after all, how do you follow a game as perfect as BioShock? Well, if the trailers in circulation are anything to go by, we're all about to find out. Whether BioShock 2 manages to live up to the massive expectations heaped upon it, or whether it proves to be a colossal disappointment, its arrival is eagerly awaited by the franchise's cult-like fans. (NC)

Batman: Arkham Asylum
Platform: PS3, PC and Xbox 360
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Released: August 2009

The Batman movie franchise may be back up and running after the last two films, but the caped crusader has never really excelled in video game format. If the upcoming Batman: Arkham Asylum is anything to go by, Eidos have sought inspiration from Christopher Nolan's movies in order to rectify this. The screenshots and trailers look suitably gothic and gritty, and the character design walks a fine line between pulp and horror. Rumours promise fantastic combat action, CSI-style puzzle solving and chilling atmosphere throughout. Gamers and comic fanboys alike have their fingers and toes crossed... (NC)

Resident Evil 5
Platform: PS3 and Xbox 360
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released: March 13 2009

With Resident Evil 4 being widely regarded as one of the finest games ever created, we can't really blame Capcom for giving us more of the same. Except of course, for being bigger, better and shinier. The series seems to be stepping further away from its survival horror routes, however, as this installment of the zombie-infested franchise is set in the blinding light of Africa. Resi stalwart Chris Redfield returns with a new partner, Sheva Alomar, and the game is designed for online co-op play as Sheva helps Chris through the natives driven mad by a biological virus. We'll put the house on the sinister Umbrella Corp. being involved somehow though. (TH)

Street Fighter IV
Platform: PS3, PC and Xbox 360
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released: February 2009

Already out in video arcades in Japan, Capcom’s flagship fighting game is set to be one of the biggest releases of 2009. Not only will it surf in on a massive wave of gamer nostalgia – everyone remembers the Street Fighter games, even if they never played them – but according to Capcom’s general manager, Yoshi Ono, the game’s brief is aimed at giving the franchise more mass appeal. While this means that casual players can breathe a sigh of relief, it’s unlikely to deter the hardcore. (NC)

Brutal Legend
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Publisher: EA
Released: Autumn 2009

Tenacious D's song 'You Can't Kill the Metal' should perhaps become the theme tune for Brutal Legend. Unceremoniously dumped by Activision-Blizzard, Tim Schafer's rocktastic looking third-person action-adventure sadly found itself without a publisher. Riding to the rescue, presumably leather-clad on Harley-Davidson's, was Electronic Arts, picking the game up for release next year. Brutal Legend is best described as a Heavy Metal album cover come to life. Voiced by the D's Jack Black, Eddie Riggs is a roadie for a heavy metal band who, due to his cursed belt buckle, finds himself transported to a land of volcanic mountains armed with an axe and, er, an axe. His guitar riffs are used as attacks against a group of evil metal-heads lead by a bass-playing biker, voiced by Lemmy from Motorhead. Brutal Legend looks as mad as a box of hats and we'd expect nothing less from Schafer, the brilliant mind behind Psychonauts and Grim Fandango. (TH)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/technologyreviews/videogamereviewsandpreviews/3777020/Most-wanted-games-of-2009-for-XBox-360-PS3-and-Wii.html

Re-visit to the famous "Charlie-you bit my finger" video

Of course I also had to insert here the famous "Charlie- you bit my finger" video. Check it out (already watched by over 78 million people worldwide)

I am more humanoid than you are!! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Twins laughing at each other...I had to post this for my niece...