Tag Archives: press release

Nintendo slips out details of the successor to the DS — the 3DS

Hot off the heels of these latest rumors, Nintendo may or may not have slipped up in releasing a short but sweet press release about a forthcoming successor to the Nintendo DS handheld temporarily dubbed the Nintendo 3DS.  That’s right, as in 3D.  According to the press release found on Nintendo’s Japan website, the 3DS will allow games to be “enjoyed with 3D effects without the need for any special glasses.”  Whether or not the 3D tech will work like this DSi Japanese game is yet to be known.  It’s also important to note that it specifies the 3DS as the successor to the DS series (which includes the DS, DSi, DSi XL).  The 3DS will be backwards-compatible with both DS and DSi games.  Engadget scooped up further information; it looks like the 3DS will pump out 3D images using a parallax barrier LCD screen made by Sharp and Hitachi.  The 3DS will pack dual screens, each sizing at 4 inches diagonally, 3D control sticks (these just might end up being analog nubs), vibration feedback, faster WiFi transfers, and improved battery life.  We won’t have to wait much longer to hear the final word; Nintendo is expected to officially unveil the Nintendo DS successor this June at E3 2010.

[Via Nintendo; Engadget, here & here; Asahi; Nikkei]

Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification

The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced the finalization of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification.  So what does this mean?  Now the home entertainment industry has the go-ahead to produce and ship full-blown high definition (1080p) 3D experiences to capable television sets for consumers.  The specification allows Blu-ray players to display full HD in 3D to each eye.  Also, it’s agnostic, meaning that capable Blu-ray players and TVs will be able to display HD 3D images regardless of display type (LCD, plasma, etc.).  The spec features enhanced graphics for displaying menus and subtitles in 3D.  All Blu-ray 3D-enhanced discs will contain a 2D version of the content, thus making them backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players.  Notice I’ve been careful to label Blu-ray players and TV sets as “capable.”  In order to receive the high definition 3D experience, you must own a 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player.  This means that your current entertainment setup likely will not be compatible with the specification.  It is worthy to mention that there’s a lone exception; the Sony Playstation 3 will be forwards-compatible with the spec.  Sony has stated that it will become 3D ready via a future firmware update.  Remember, though, that a new HDTV with IR emitters and those pesky 3D glasses are necessary.  Expect all this new tech to release starting in 2010.  Full press release is after the break.

What’s to come of all this?  No one is certain of the future of 3D tech in the home.  For starters, many have been skeptical of this idea, labeling 3D movies a gimmick with silly glasses.  However, a number of people have admitted like movies like Pixar’s UP and the freshly released Avatar are better in 3D than 2D because instead of acting as in-your-face gimmicks they are great films that truly immerse you into the environment of the on-screen characters, making the movie experience better.  The real question is whether or not manufacturers will have success helping consumers transition from standard HDTV sets to 3D-capable ones.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Blu-ray Association announces final 3D specification

PlayStation Motion Controller announced for Spring 2010 release; more details

At this year’s Tokyo Game Show (TGS), Sony’s Kaz Hirai has split the details of a launch window and initial game launches that surround the newest PS3 accessory, the PlayStation Motion Controller.  Sony plans on releasing the controller this Spring with the following games ready for launch: Ape Escape (Working Title), Echochrome 2 (Working Title), Eccentric Slider, Sing and Draw, Champions of Time, Motion Party, The Shoot, and Tower.  Note that these are all working titles.  Also announced was a new edition of RE5 called Resident Evil 5: Director’s Cut; this title will revamped so it can take advantage of the motion controller.  Sony stated that there will be a number of current PS titles that will receive motion control support via software updates; one of these games includes LittleBigPlanet.

For those of you who want a refresher about the PS3 Motion Controller’s tech and for some information, look after the break for the official Sony press release.  The gallery has a few images from the TGS below.

[Via Engadget; Gizmodo]

Continue reading PlayStation Motion Controller announced for Spring 2010 release; more details

Lady Gaga creates her own Beats

Fashion and music maven Lady Gaga has teamed up with Dr. Dre and Monster Cable to create her own line of Beats headphones.  Heartbeats is designed by Lady Gaga herself.  They will be available in October in pink/white, silver, white, and black color variations and price will range from $99.95 to $149.95, depending on body type and jewel design.  Included are multiple ear tips, a red travel case, and Monster’s tangle-resistant flat cable design, and Monster’s ControlTalk connection that allows you to swap between music and phone calls.  For more information about the Heartbeats, see the press release after the break.  Check out the gallery below for some product images and more.

[Via Engadget; ChipChick; Beatsbydre]

Continue reading Lady Gaga creates her own Beats