Sony reveals new details for BD-Live Interactivity.
Sony kicked off its CES conference today with some big news highlighting several planned BD-Live interactive features coming to Blu-ray in 2008. During an interactive demo on the show floor, Sony revealed a series of interactive features currently planned for the BD-Live networking capabilities.
The first feature previewed was one that would allow viewers to send ringtones to their personal mobile phones, including content from the movie itself. Viewers could extract lines of dialogue from the movie or other audio clips.
More excitingly revealed was that Sony is planning select Blu-ray titles that will include a version of the film encoded for the PSP, thus making the film portable. However, Sony didn’t announce a planned release date or titles that will include this new feature.
Stay tuned for more details on this hot new development.
One of the biggest if not THE BIGGEST development in the PSP hacking scene has just unfolded. A collective group of hackers including the likes of Dark_Alex, Noobz and Booster have released a new piece of software which will replicate the exact functions of Sony’s Jigkick battery (even better) - that means it is now possible for homebrew enabled PSP’s to UNBRICK and DOWNGRADE their systems at their own will. The respective software will transform any regular PSP battery into one which can perform all the functions of the Official Sony JigKick which is used by Sony repair staff themselves. Even if your PSP is not homebrew enabled, you can just ask a friend who has a homebrew enabled PSP to run the software and transform your battery too! Read more on the software at the official release thread as launched by legendary hacker Dark_Alex HERE. Spread the word and DIGG THIS! And on a FINAL note, while the team is a bit too proud to apply pressure for DONATIONS, just do it even if it is just a dollar - ig390@msn.com via PAYPAL (Authorized by Dark_Alex, Noobz and all on the C+D development team).
Read More/Download: here
| TOCA Race Driver 3 ChallengeDeveloper: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Codemasters
“You’ll need dedication, patience and skill to get the most of TRD3 Challenge,” we said in our review back in March and nothing has changed since. This isn’t a game for those whose idea of racing is to approach corners with the finger firmly on the accelerator button and simply flick the analogue nub (or D-pad) violently to one side. If that’s not you, you’ll love the wide range of vehicles and remarkable balance of ‘playable reality’ on offer here. |
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| The WarriorsDeveloper: Rockstar Leeds
Publisher: Rockstar
Adapted from a cult 1979 film (and previously available on consoles), this is an often brutal gang-based action adventure that sees you fighting your way across New York’s meanest streets. Thankfully, the third-person combat system is as tough as they come, which combined with a hugely atmospheric setting, superlative production values and seemingly endless variety makes this a supremely entertaining experience all PSP-owning adults (this is 18-rated) should try. |
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| Metal Slug AnthologyDeveloper: SNK Playmore
Publisher: Ignition
Seven games from SNK’s gorgeous, delightfully playable 2D side-scrolling shooter series may sound like a recipe for broken PSP buttons as a result of the relentless use they’ll endure. For us, though, it sounds like the UMD to have with you at all times. Because despite the odd irritating flaw as a result of the conversion process, there is little on Sony’s handheld that can match this for a quick, gratifying dose of shoot-’em-up goodness. |
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| Sega Mega Drive CollectionDeveloper: Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Sega
Granted, not all of the 27 impeccably converted games crammed into this UMD are classics, but the majority do represent a selection of the most popular titles to appear on Sega’s old 16-bit console. From various examples of the Sonic The Hedgehog, Phantasy Star, Golden Axe and Ecco the Dolphin series, to Columns, Virtua Fighter 2 and Shinobi III, this is one of the strongest retro compilations to have appeared on any system. |
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| Tony Hawk’s Project 8Developer: Page 44 Studios
Publisher: Activision
Console owners may be sick of the Hawkster tuning up on a yearly basis, but on PSP his appearances have to date been far less frequent. As a result, when a skateboarding game as delicately crafted and compelling as this rolls along, it’s impossible (and, indeed, unfair) to ignore it. Crucially, Project 8 nails the control mechanism and then follows that with a ridiculous amount of depth through a multitude of mini-goal based missions. It’s emerged as one of the year’s most absorbing games. |
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| Ratchet & Clank: Size MattersDeveloper: High Impact Games
Publisher: Sony
Taking a much-deserved vacation from their adventures on PlayStation 2, Ratchet and Clank turn up on PSP only to find themselves needing to embark on a mysterious quest involving a kidnapped girl and forgotten race of genius inventors. Cue the franchise’s many weapons and gadgets, which together with the relentless destruction, pleasing variety, and tonnes of content results in one of the handheld’s best action adventure experiences to date. |
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| Sid Meier’s Pirates!Developer: Full Fat
Publisher: 2K Games
An update of the classic 1987 strategy-led adventure, whose open-ended mechanic gives you the freedom to amass fame, fortune, land, political power and treasure as you roam around the Gulf Coast, Caribbean and South America, making both friends and enemies. It’s a glorious mix of exploration, mutinies, duelling and sea-battle mini-games, charming and humourous cut-scenes, supported by the kind of sturdy game design even the most determined cannonball can’t dent. |
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| Metal Gear Solid: Portable OpsDeveloper: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Konami
Although out in the US in 2006, Portable Ops qualifies for inclusion here due to the ridiculous five-month wait European gamers had to endure for the game to arrive in our continent. Specifically, it qualifies for inclusion here in such a high position because it’s excellent – a clever and brilliantly designed stealth-based action title that remains true to the essence of past MGS games while introducing a host of new elements, not least one of the strongest multiplayer aspects yet seen on PSP. |
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| Virtua Tennis 3Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Sega
Wimbledon competitors may have spent more time waiting around that playing on the courts this year but we suspect those crafty enough to have packed a PSP with a copy of Sega’s brilliant Virtua Tennis 3 into their kit bag probably didn’t mind the rain one bit. That would be because this is one superbly refined tennis game, its exquisite control mechanics partnered by the brilliantly balanced difficulty and variety of the content. The resulting digital sporting experience is simply smashing. |
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| CrushDeveloper: Zoë Mode
Publisher: Sega
Crush is exactly the kind of game the PSP is crying out for. Innovative, daring, fresh, perfectly suited to its host platform and immensely playable, it’s no wonder the game recently won a prestigious Develop Award for ‘Best New Handheld IP’. Don’t let the dry terminology of the award’s label conjure up the wrong image, though – Crush beat its rivals precisely because its vibrant qualities are impossible to miss. From the moment you pick it up, you’re lost in a clever, masterfully designed, multi-dimensional puzzler that will consume your thoughts. |
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- The Too Smart Babies show you how to install Custom Firmware 3.52 M33 on your PSP
Files Needed:
Sony has pulled back the curtain a little bit and revealed some new details about the God of War game coming to the PSP. First, we now know the game’s official title will be God of War: Chains of Olympus and that it will take place between God of War and God of War II.
Sony has also opened a teaser website at us.playstation.com/godofwar_chainsofolympus. The site is mostly bare at this point, but it does include the ability to sign up for a free UMD demo of the game (while supplies last of course).
Finally, a YouTube user comes through again with the game’s first trailer. Who knows why it’s not available on the official site, but behold, the first look at God of War: Chains of Olympus…
Sony Corp. on Thurs. said that it will release more than 100 first and third-party titles for the Playstation 3, Playstation 2, and PSP handheld in spring 2007.
Titles for the PS3 include Vivendi’s F.E.A.R., Activision’s Spider-Man 3, Tecmo’s Ninja Gaiden Sigma, and SCEA’s MLB 07 The Show.
PS2 offerings include Square Enix’s Dawn of Mana, 2K Games’ Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer, and Bandai Namco’s .hack//G.U. Vol. 2: Reminisce.
PSP handheld games include Sega’s Alien Syndrome, Square Enix’s Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II, Namco’s Ridge Racer 2, and Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas.
“Our second-quarter line-up of PS3, PSP and PlayStation 2 software titles demonstrates a continued commitment from both SCEA and third-party developers to the PlayStation family of products,” said Peter Dille, Senior Vice President of Marketing, SCEA.
“We are excited by the content being developed by our partners, but are also looking forward to launching PlayStation-branded exclusive games created by our own worldwide studios this quarter and throughout the rest of 2007.”
In addition, Sony will hold digital distribution of new content on its Playstation Store. Titles include Calling All Cars, Gauntlet II, Mortal Kombat II, and Super Puzzle Fighter II HD Remix.
“Homebrew coders push the boundaries on the PSP again, StrmnNrmn has released a new version of his Nintendo 64 emulator for the PSP that has been confirmed to play Mario 64 at Full Speed on Sony’s Handheld. A full Compatibility listing is available with games such as Starfox64 playble too.”
Fake your Firmware
Change your wallpaper
Remote Control your PC
Sponsored By PSP Blender
Elgato Systems announces a hardware encoder in USB Stick format that rapidly converts video files to the high quality H.264 (MP4) format for iPod, Apple TV, and Sony PSP. Turbo.264 accelerates exports by a factor of 4 on an Intel Core 2 Duo up to a factor of 10 on a Power PC G4. The rate of acceleration depends on the Mac processor type.
Furthermore, Turbo.264 offloads the computationally intensive software conversion of video files away from your Macintosh, leaving it free for other tasks – a virtual co-processor for the Mac. Turbo.264 supports all Macs with USB 2.0.
There is no need to acquire additional software to convert videos, since Turbo.264 comes with video conversion software by Elgato. Simply drag-and-drop videos into the application and chose one of four formats: iPod Standard, iPod High, Apple TV, Sony PSP).
Turbo.264 supports batch conversions and even offers exports of unprotected DVD content (VOB files). Turbo.264 also accelerates exports from the most important Macintosh video applications such as iMovie, QuickTime Pro, Final Cut Pro, and EyeTV.
Turbo.264 supports resolutions of up to 800 by 600 pixels, enabling videos and TV recordings in PAL or NTSC formats to be converted to Apple TV with no scaling. In addition, Turbo.264 supports standard resolutions for iPod and Sony PSP. When conversion is complete, Turbo.264 automatically transfers video files to iTunes, making them immediately available to Apple TV or the iPod.
Pricing & Availability
Turbo.264 is available immediately for US$99.95 in the Elgato Online Shop as well as through distribution. The package includes the USB 2.0 Hardware Encoder, the Turbo.264 software on CD-ROM, a user’s guide on CD-ROM, a quick start guide as well as a USB extension cable.
