Monday, August 30, 2010

Analyst: Global Games Market Worth $105 Billion

08/28/2010 Analyst: Global Games Market Worth $105 Billion

According to Paul Heydon, an investment banker with Avista Partners, the global games market "cap" has reached $105 billion - including online games. During a talk at Edinburgh Interactive Heydon said that most analysts don't factor in revenues from anything outside of the traditional PC and console sector - which usually hits the $50 billion mark. But when you factor in online games that number jumps to $105 billion. Further, he says that online games - which includes MMO, casual, and social - make up 71 percent of the market.

Here 's s breakdown Haydon':

Nintendo – $34.96 billion

Other PC/Console (without Nintendo) – $33.22 billion

Online – $23.46 billion

Mobile $ 8.26 billion

Retail – $3.11 billion

Payment Services – $1.37 billion

Distribution/Accessories – $311 million

Outsourcing – $255 million

Source: MCV UK




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PR Firm Settles With FTC On Fake Game Reviews

08/27/2010 PR Firm Settles With FTC On Fake Game Reviews eldavojohn writes "So, you pay a PR firm like Reverb to generate some positive buzz for your new mobile game, and what do they do? Hire employees to post fake glowing reviews of your game wherever it's being distributed. The FTC says that's not okay due to regulations enacted last year requiring that paid reviews disclose they are paid reviews. Originally, the fear was that this regulation would target the small-time blogger, but this news of Reverb settling with the FTC over fake game reviews shows that the FTC is also targeting big PR firms. They said, 'We hope that this case will show advertisers that they have to be transparent in their practices and help guide other ad agencies.' The article says fake reviews like those alleged in the complaint (PDF) are pretty much the norm on iTunes. Reverb denies that this settlement is any acknowledgment of wrongdoing; rather, just a timesaver over a costly court battle. Will the FTC continue to make examples of big PR firms? Wait and see."

Read more of this storyon Slashdot.





Android Game
Thursday, August 26, 2010

Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

[[[Motorola DROID X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)]]]



Discription :

A worthy successor to the original Droid, the Android-powered Droid X by Motorola for Verizon Wireless is a pocket-sized home theater with a massive 4.3-inch high-resolution display, HDMI high-definition output with optional cable, and 720p HD video recording capabilities. And the 1 GHz processor provides excellent response for game play, such as the preloaded EA Need for Speed Shift.



Droid X by Motorola is a pocket-sized home theater with a high-resolution 4.3-inch touchscreen display.

Additionally Droid X will feature Adobe Flash Player, enabling you to stream video from tens of millions of websites or game play with a full PC Web experience (Droid X users will receive Android 2.2 and Adobe Flash Player 10.1 via an over-the-air update in late summer 2010). You can also easily download BLOCKBUSTER On Demand presented by V CAST Video via a link icon on your home screen or use V CAST to watch your favorite shows.

With integrated Google technology, Droid X brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. The Droid X also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.

In addition to high-speed connectivity on the fast and reliable Verizon Wireless 3G network, you can also share the built-in 3G Mobile Hotspot via Wi-Fi among five devices--laptop, another phone, MP3 player, and more (additional service charge). Droid X also utilizes high-performance diversity antennas along with innovative software to improve signal strength and reduce dropped calls.

Large touch screen offers a pinch to increase functionality and shows large virtual keyboard, where you can enter text, and easily in more than 50 words per minute using Swype one continuous movement of a finger across the screen keyboard.



Capture crisp pictures and video with the 8-megapixel camera featuring 720p HD video.

Preloaded social networking widgets allow you to sync and stream your feeds and updates from Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace all to one screen in real time. Other features include an 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash, 8 GB of onboard memory and a pre-installed 16 GB memory card, ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, GPS turn-by-turn directions via free Google Maps with Navigation (Beta), and up to 8 hours of talk time.

Droid is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.

Highlights

  • Fast 3G connectivityThanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev Network
  • Works on the operating system Android (version 2.1) with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
  • Advanced multitasking capabilities allow you to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open.
  • Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n)access to home and corporate networks, as well as "hot spots", while on the go.
  • 3G Mobile Hotspot: The Droid X comes travel-ready with a built-in 3G Mobile Hotspot--a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be shared among five Wi-Fi-capable devices. The 3G Mobile Hotspot is the perfect family vacation companion, and at $20 for 2 GB and 5 cents per megabyte overage, it provides an allowance big enough for sharing with the entire family for downloading games, Internet access, and more.
  • Get where you need to go to Google Maps navigation (beta) which provides turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It's powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say "Navigate to [your destination]," and you'll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.
  • Swype input system allows you to input text faster and easier by gliding your finger around the keyboard, moving from letter to letter in one continuous motion. The Swype technology then calculates what word you're intending to type (learn more below).
  • 1 GHz TI OMAP processor with dedicated graphics processor.
  • 4.3 inch high-resolution touchscreen display(WVGA 854 x 480 pixels, 16 million colors)
  • 8-megapixel camera with fast mechanical shutter (1/1000 second) auto focus, touch-to-focus, face recognition, panoramic modes, and more.
  • Capture video in high- definition 720p HD resolution and customize your videos with a slow-motion effect as well as make them flawless with an advanced three microphone solution for directional audio capture and noise cancelation.
  • HDMI video for connecting to a compatible HDTV.
  • Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
  • 24 GB of memory out of the box with 8 GB of internal memory and 16 GB preloaded microSD memory card. You can expand the Droid X up to a maximum of 40 GB with its 8 GB internal memory plus optional 32 GB microSD card.
  • Multi-format digital audio player with dedicated Amazon MP3 Store app for over-the-air downloads.


    Watch live sports, latest local and national news, and full length episodes of TV shows with Verizon Wireless V Cast Video on Demand.
  • YouTube application for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connection.
  • Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified technologyallows you to stream, store and share content with multiple DLNA compliant devices such as HDTVs, game consoles or PCs
  • Real HTML Web browsing provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone (Android Webkit HTML5-based browser).
  • Text, picture, and video messagingthreaded messaging feature
  • Email: Corporate (Exchange 2003 and 2007), Gmail, IMAP, POP3, Attachment and browser document viewer (Microsoft Office and pdf)
  • Airplane modeallows you to listen to music during cellular disabled

Vital Statistics

The Droid X by Motorola weighs 5.47 ounces and measures 5.02 x 2.57 x 0.39 inches. Its 1540 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 8 hours (480 minutes) of talk time, and up to 220 hours (9+ days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.

What's in the Box

Droid X by Motorola handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide

Verizon Wireless Services

  • Reliable 3G Network: With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)

  • Visual Voice Mail: This innovative service enables you to delete, reply, and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.

  • V CAST Video On Demand: This optional service enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather, and live entertainment video clips. It features more than 100 full-length programs from leading broadcast and cable networks, ranging from highly-rated drama and comedy series to reality programs and children's programming. V CAST Video on Demand also delivers live sporting events, including NHL hockey games and an upcoming slate of college football games

    The service offers unlimited viewing of video and key channel ESPN MVP. You can choose from 14 categories, including entertainment, kids, music, sports, comedy, news, pop culture, information, women, Latino, House and Leisure, multicultural and Cutting Edge, and Hollywood. Additional charges a subscription fee.

Learn More

Swype keyboard

In the image to the left, the word "quick" was generated from tracing the path shown above in a fraction of a second, by roughly aiming to pass through the letters of the word. A key advantage to Swype is that there is no need to be very accurate, enabling very rapid text entry.




More review coming soon.

I was a little leery of getting a phone with no keyboard. Then I learned about Google Voice Actions (GVA). I wanted this phone because of GVA. My phone came with Android 2.1 and I was disappointed to learn that I could not use GVA unless I had 2.2. Since GVA was free, VLingo decided to give their app away for free and I installed it on my phone. I was surprised how accurate (99%) the speech recognition was. I can search, navigate, email, text--anything done with the virtual keyboard can be input with VLingo. Phone calls are clear and never dropped whereas I had daily problems with the purveyor of iPhones.

I found that using the virtual keyboard was not so bad. It has built-in suggested words that you can tap on, and any word you type can be added to the dictionary. I like the easy customization of wallpapers and sounds. It comes with a 16GB micro SD and you can install up to 32 GB cards if you like. I use linux at home, so it doesn't connect so well with my laptop for transferring files. I usually just use email or remove the SD card for huge files. I do tether it for laptop internet use on the go. You do not have to pay for "hotspot" service to do this.


I have now manually upgraded to Android 2.2 and things are even better. The screen is clearer and the sound volume is better. Processing and graphics are faster. I can tell by real observation and usage as well as by running benchmarking apps. Battery life has improved. I would have recommended this phone before the upgrade, but now I am even more satisfied.

I almost bought it here, but WF shipped it to me in two days, so I cancelled.

(My original review seems to have disappeared so I'm writing another)

I'm a long time Android fan, I've had 5 other Android phones (G1, MyTouch, Hero, Nexus One, and Droid) so I've loved watching it grow. This is without a doubt, one of the best pieces of hardware I've seen on a phone. The processor, the screen, the thinness, the camera, the sound quality, an all of that. The only negatives are honestly subjective (you need a keyboard or it's too large a screen). You'd think with such an amazing spec sheet this would stand out among other handsets but Motorola, and a number of other companies, seems to disagree and to that end they've decided they need to customize android with their new version of MotoBlur. While it's an improvement over the original version, it's still not that good and in fact is a serious hindrance to the device.



A good example of some of the customizations Motorola decided to make is with their contacts. Android itself supports sync with google contacts, facebook, and twitter. You can control to sync all contacts or just the contacts that are linked with your google contacts (thus not filling your list with that guy you had 9th grade English with) and then for a linked contact allows you to select which service to use for the contact picture. Sounds fine and works well. Motorola apparently thought they had a better idea and actually removed Android's built in syncing (although it's still there in the menus and you can set it up, you'll even see two facebook account icons - just nothing will ever sync) with their own. While you do get more services to sync with, like MySpace, you're also now only able to sync all or none of your contacts from that service, so that friend of a friend you hung out with once, she's in there now too. Further baffling is that you must choose, for all your contacts as a whole and not on a person by person basis, which account to use as a picture source and if you link any accounts you can no longer choose the default google contacts picture. Rather use a picture you took of someone instead of their facebook profile picture? You can't.

Another simple example, the gallery. Android now includes a very impressive gallery application, one that syncs with Picasa and just looks really nice. Motorola replaced this with a generic coverflow looking album setup and no picasa sync. Further, more subtle things involve the replacement of the genie (news and weather) widget in favor of their own implementations that are rather unattractive. Also the removal of the dock bar from 2.2 with icons for phone/application drawer/browser is replaced with phone/application drawer/contacts. Sure you can use a homescreen replacement, but most of them do not yet support motoblur's widgets for some reason (I know LauncherPro Plus is supposed to now though).

While there are some nice customizations - the multitouch keyboard, the dot magnifier (like on an iPhone) for cursor control in a text box, and optional delayed passkey/code/pattern lock, none of them really come close to making up for what can only be described as harmful or malicious changes to base Android.

All of this is rounded out with what ends up being a buggy phone. The battery status indication is impossible to believe, the phone will tell you that you have 40%, you'll have to reboot for something and then it will indicate 60% only to give you a low battery warning (15%) an hour later. This coupled with very low, and I'd argue in some cases silent, volume problems that will lead you to miss phone calls and text messages.

Advantages:
+ Fast
+ Screen surprising to watch and use
+ Multitouch keyboard and cursor

Neutral
= DLNA (it works but is very dodgy)

Cons
- Screen is very bright, even on the lowest setting it might be too bright for a dark room
-- Buggy
-- Motoblur customizations



And while all of this may improve with time, specifically the bug issues, the only solution in my opinion here would be to simply provide stock Android. Motoblur, even in this new version, is too far behind and if Gingerbread (3.0) elevates stock Android the way Eclair (2.0/2.1) did then they will never catch up.

I had to choose between this and the Iphone. Here's why I chose this:

1. Larger screen. 4.3" vs. 3.5" is a huge difference. With a 4.3" screen I can surf the web without having to constantly squint and zoom. With the Iphone's 3.5" screen, the text (although in very high resolution) is so small that it really strains your eyes.

2. Verizon's unlimited internet. My Droid X is running nonstop, as I listen to internet radio, watch internet television and so on. ATT has a 2GB per month limit, even though they charge the same price.

3. Apps. Droid has a HUGE library of applications. Not as much as the Iphone, but as much as you could want. And the good news is lots of good Droid apps are free!

4. Flash. It is simply ridiculous of apple to try and boycott flash. With Droid 2.2 (which offers Flash 10.1) you can surf all the websites without having to miss out on the cool flash content.

I also had to choose between this and the Droid 2 (this is thinner and has a bigger screen, and I don't need a slide out keyboard), the Samsung AMOLED Droids (this has a slightly bigger screen and slightly higher resolution, although they have a much lower SAR rating, so this was a tougher call) and the HTC droids (this is equal or better in every category).





Buy here (at discount) Motorola Droid X Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Google on the Go: Using an Android-Powered Mobile Phone

[[[Google on the Go: Using an Android-Powered Mobile Phone]]]



Description:

Google on the Go

 

THE EASY, FUN, PRACTICAL GUIDE TO GOOGLE ANDROID PHONES!

So you've got one of those hot new Android-powered phones? Awesome! Now, get the most out of it with Google on the Go! This friendly, easy book shows exactly how to use your phone to make your life more productive, more efficient, and more fun!

 

When you call? Playing MP3? Sending Gmail? Shooting? Its all covered hereone step at a time, in plain English. Theres no quick way to acquire large sums of money Google, built into your new phone: calendar, messages, web browser, instant messaging, Google Maps, YouTube, you name it!

 

Want to customize your phone? Here's how. Need to troubleshoot a problem? No sweat: you'll find easy, step-by-step directions. Whether you're using the T-Mobile G1 or another Android-powered smartphone, this book answers all your questions so you can harness the power of Google applications and tools in the palm of your hand.

 

 • Set up your Google Android phone fast!

Quickly learn the basics of the phone from the speakerphone to call waiting

 • Transfer contacts from your computer or another phone

 • Add new Calendar appointments and reminders

 • Make the most of your free Gmail account

 • Take photos, and send them instantly to your contacts

 • Watch videos and upload them to YouTube

 • Find practically anything with Google Search

 • Use Google Talk's handy chat features

Get directions and traffic information with Google Maps ... even use GPS!

 • Install new software tools and even start writing your own

Fix the most common problems with maintenance and equipment

 

John Eddy is a long-time gadget hobbyist who has spent most of his career helping everyday people use technology, in roles ranging from product support to moderation of online forums.

 

Patricia DiGiacomo Eddy is an accomplished technology author and mobile phone geek whose books include Special Edition Using Microsoft Office Outlook 2007,
Absolute Beginner's Guide to OneNote, and Access 2003: VBA Programmer's Reference.

CATEGORY:  Digital Media




More review coming soon.

Google on the Go: Using an Android-Powered Mobile Phone


This is a good book, very readable and accurate. Unfortunately it is already out of date as it came out before the current "Cupcake" ROM but it is still useful. I read it quickly and definitely picked up enough pointers to justify the price, which was very low (although shipping was expensive!)
Recommended for the average user who wants to get the most out of their Android experience.





Buy Here (for discount) Google on the Go: Using an Android-Powered Mobile Phone

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Rock Band 3 Leaked Setlist... Confirmed?

08/20/2010 Rock Band 3 Leaked Setlist... Confirmed? After the reported leakage of 31 additional tracks from Rock Band 3 as the songlist was being scrolled in the back of a video interview, Harmonix has released an official video comment.

In it, the guys at Harmonix inform us that they have not released official information about the setlist and that these rumors are being perpetrated by websites to gain precious advertising revenue...

All the while scrolling through the full Rock Band 3 setlist... showing two new songs (spotted by RockBandAide):

  • Doobie Brothers - China Grove
  • J. Geils Band - Centerfold

(NOTE: Vimeo video is not currently supported in the Game...


Android Game

Friday, August 20, 2010

Beginning Mobile Phone Game Programming

[[[Beginning Mobile Phone Game Programming]]]



Discription :

This is the eBook version of the printed book. If the print book includes a CD-ROM, this content is not included within the eBook version.

Build several fully functional games as well as the game engine will be used for programming cellular phones and mobile games Game Programming Beginning Mobile Phone ! The included CD provides the tool, code and graphics necessary to complete all exercises covered in the chapters. Beginning Cell Phone Game Programming

Topics covered include:

  • How to build a game engine to drive mobile games.
  • How to use the Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) and Java Game API, to get maximum performance from your mobile games.
  • How to implement sprite animation and control interactions among moving sprites.
  • How to play sound effects and music in mobile games.
  • How to take advantage of wireless networks to build mobile multiplayer games.
  • How to design and develop a variety of different games spanning several video games genres.



More review soon.

book itself is a good book for programmers to develop mobile games Java. Printed copies of Ari clear ... time ... wide experience

This book shows a overall and objective vision about game development (mainly concepts). I think that for beginners it's the best way to start a game (not only for cell phones, but for any system).

I recommend the book (and Amazon service)!!!





Buy here (at discount) from a mobile phone game programming

Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space

[[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Meetings in space]]]



Discription : Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters In Space puts you on the front lines, in the ongoing battle for control of the spaceways!


More review coming soon.

This game has just what I like. Alot of Gundams!! Over 70 models to be exact. You heard me over 70!!(and yes this includes Gundam Seed, G Gundam, and Gundam Wing). Now to the gameplay. yep you guessed it all the battles are in space. This game also features a bunch of storyline's and cutscenes from the anime including a Gundam story exclusive to the game called Thourouhbread.(I know I spelled that wrong). Anyways supurb graphics, hours of gameplay, and over 70 gundams is the reason why Gundam Encounter's in space is one of the best Mecha based games ever made!!

I 've owned this game for almost three years, and I can honestly say that she has never lost its value to me. There is too much fun to be in it. If you are trying to find alternative end of stories or unlock all the mobile suits, you LL 'to play for a while.

The graphics of this game are high quality. Since battles occur in space, not so many resources have to be spent rendering the normal environments that most games take place in. This is given back to the gamer in the sense of finely detailed mobile suits and battleships.

Don't be fooled- it isn't just a pretty face. Gameplay can be very addictive. There is an abundant amount of single-player scenarios to take place in, with many famous mobile suit pilots to control. There is even a mode that allows the player to create his or her own pilot, and they are given a few missions to level up their abilities and skills. Save your pilots and put them in mobile suits to fight your buddies in multi-player battles.

After you finish a scenario, you might get lost in the media player, listening to the music or watching the cut scenes.

The only thing I could want more from this game would have been great battles games. Three mobile suits seem to go pretty quickly. But I really can 't complain.

Gundam fans will lock themselves away for days with this game. If you ever Googled for cheap prices on heat hawks, this game is probably for you.

Do you remember the first Gundam game in PS2? It was called "Mobile Suit Gundam: Journey to Jaburo." After the events of the Federation taking out the Zeon from Jaburo, they take a trip to space to meet the 13th Autonomous Corps. That's where this game picks up.

You can play not only the stories from the original Mobile Suit Gundam, but later in the game, you can unlock the stories from the other series and play them. There are two extra Mobile Suits that are not from the series, which are the Wing Gundam Zero Custom and Tallgeese III, but they can only be played in versus mode.

The game is very nice and easy to understand, but so far the major flaw I found in this game is that all you can't land your mobile suit anywhere, and you have to be constantly flying in space (meaning no land battles, other than the level where you fight McQuve in Texas Colony). Overall it's still a very fun game.



Buy Here (for discount) Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Mobile Halo, Crackdown Highlight Windows Phone 7 Launch

08/18/2010 Mobile Halo, prosecution Select Windows 7 Phone Launch Microsoft will launch mobile versions of hot game properties like Halo and Crackdown when it ships Windows Phone 7 later this year, the company said Tuesday. At the Gamescom conference taking place this week in Cologne, Germany, the Xbox maker said it would bring Halo: Waypoint, the online information hub for fans of the company's smash-hit [...]


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Windows Phone 7 Gaming and Xbox Live

08/17/2010 Windows Phone 7 Gaming and Xbox Live Engadget is running a preview of Microsoft's attempt to bring Xbox Live to upcoming Windows Phone 7 devices. Launch titles will include Guitar Hero, Castlevania, and Halo: Waypoint, and many of the features from the console version of Xbox Live will make the transition intact. Quoting: "Live on WP7 will allow for full avatar integration (we're talking fully rendered, interactive avatars) along with customization (clothes, accessories, and more). The company has even crafted an avatar-centric version of familiar phone utilities like flashlight apps and levels, adding some whimsy to what would normally be pretty staid affairs. Additionally, messaging, friend lists / status, achievements, and leaderboards (with friend comparisons) are all here as well, making for a pretty complete mobile Xbox Live experience. And also just like the console, every game will have a try-before-you buy demo to check out before spending your hard-earned cash."

Read the rest of this article at Slashdot.





Android Game
Thursday, August 12, 2010

Where'd Your Social Games Go?

08/11/2010 Where'd Your Social Games Go?

What's the right platform strategy for social games? Zynga, Ngmoco and Evony debate whether mobile, social networking, and dedicated websites are the right moves -- and each has its own answer to the question.




Android Game
Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Freedom Pro Universal Bluetooth Portable Keyboard for Symbian, Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Android-Based Smartphones

[[[Freedom Pro Universal Bluetooth Portable Keyboard for Symbian, Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Android-Based Smartphones]]]



Discription :


More review coming soon.

I have been using an iGo keyboard for 4 years. This keyboard is heavier and bulkier that the iGo Keyboard but, as a result, is also more substantial. I still don't like the fact that you have to have one of the on screen keyboards active to make the numbers work on the keyboard, which is the same for the iGo but I like that at least, you don't have to hold the shift key for the numbers as you do on the iGo. I also like that this one has an on-off switch. The one thing I really do not like is that the space between letters on the opposite side of the middle fold are too far apart and the right shift key is a stretch and not comfortable, and I have very large hands. The general performance is good.

I researched this keyboard to make sure it worked on the iPhone prior to ordering it. However, still no instructions on how to pair it on the freedom input website or in the instruction manual. I found the instructions on [...]. I finally have it paired with my iPhone 4 running 4.0 software and it works great. Most of the shortcut keys (like answering/ending calls, internet browsing, or launching mail applications) do not work with the iphone. I have been able to launch ipod and increase/decrease volume buttons with the keyboard so it definitely is limited. I wanted the keyboard just for the functionality of the keyboard so I am not too disheartened that the other keys do not function. However, I would give 5 stars if all the keys functioned as described and the website had pairing instructions. Maybe in the future.... Otherwise, it seems to be a sturdy, compact, portable keyboard which is exactly what I wanted.

Didn't work with my Macbook Pro, my Sprint Hero nor a Samsung Moment. The Mac kept going through the keyboard detection process everytime I touched a key. The Hero would work for about 2 minutes then the driver would crash. I had to uninstall/reinstall to get it working again (a reboot didn't fix it). On the Moment it just never connected (through the driver).
The keyboard itself is pretty good. It seems sturdy docking station for the phone fits easily into keyboard for storage and carrying case is sufficiently strong feel to it.



Buy here (at discount) Freedom Universal Pro Bluetooth Portable Keyboard for Symbian, Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Android-smartphone

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Zynga Acquires Japanese Studio

08/06/2010 Zynga Acquires Japanese Studio Zynga Acquires Japanese Studio

Farmville maker Zynga has acquired Japanese social game developer Unoh for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2001, Unoh has created titles including Machitsuku!, Band Yarouyo! and Kaizoku Chronicle. The studio will lead Zynga's Japanese mobile efforts, creating new games and localising others.

read more




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UTV: From Film to Games

08/06/2010 UTV: From Film to Games

The Indian company is known for creating cinema makes a great movie in the gaming industry. Ronnie Screwvala, chairman of media and entertainment company, UTV Group, said that his firm has invested 75m (5,5 billion rupees) in three games. The first - the action game called El Shaddai, was inspired by the Book of Enoch, and will later this year.

The company sees this move as "the next logical step" for its business, but analysts - including Piers Harding-Rolls from Screen Digest - sees the move into these markets as "tough" for a company trying to launch new brands.

The company is probably in a better position than most, though; two years ago it bought an Indian development studio specialising in mobile gaming, UK developer Ignition and launched a separate development studio in Gainesville, Florida. All told, the company has three console titles currently in development and is looking to secure a publishing deal before the games are released.

Source: BBC




Android Game
Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Nuo Tech Chloe Dao Mobile Tech Handbag: Pattern Blue Plaid

[[[Nuo Tech Chloe Dao Mobile Tech Handbag: Pattern Blue Plaid]]]



Discription : The Chloe Dao Mobile Tech Handbag from Nuo Tech is a fashionable way to protect all your electronic gadgets and personal items. Over the shoulder bag/mini purse fits most portable gaming and music players including; Sony PSP, Nintendo DS Lite/ iPod/MP3 players, cell phones and all your accessory cables and game cartridges. Interior pockets for mobile gadgets, cables, games, and personal items. Fits Nintendo DS Lite, Sony PSP and more. Dimensions: 8.0"W x 5.5"H x 2.0"D. Pattern: Blue Plaid


More review coming soon.



This is the ideal little purse for the preteen and all her electronics. My eight year old daughter recently received an MP3 player and A DS, they both fit perfectly along with games and earbuds. There are some many comparentments and places for everything yet remains a great size for a child to carry aroound. I am sure this would work well for an adult but is fairly small and would not fit purse type items along with the electronics.

I bought this for my neice for Christmas. She absolutely loved it. Perfect size and lots of compartments. She uses it as a purse and DS case. Fits everything for a young girl. Great price as well. Can't go wrong with this one.



Buy here (at discount) Nuo Technology Chloe Dao Mobile Technology Handbag: Plan Blue Plaid

Alternate Reality: Blog recap

08/01/2010 Alternate Reality: Blog recap

Alternate Reality: Blog recap screenshot

Goodbye July!

Under the jump is a list of all the Monthly Musing blogs for Alternate Reality. We got a lot of really interesting submissions this time -- thanks to everyone who participated!

The Musing for August will be going up sometime tomorrow evening. Stay tuned!

Om Nom heart to heart: a revolutionary invention of the geniuses at Microsoft
Kytherno: Earth Spira
LawofThermalDynamics: My Vacation Log
Gilgamesh1317: MY SKIN IS BRIGHT GREEN WITH FLOWER PATTERNS
Wodashin: The Red Menace
SAMA1984: Good or Evil, or just Sadistic?
Beyamor: Super MarioOH-NO
Amazing Rando: The Hilarity of Evil
Apsup: In a land of videogame violence
Kinjiro: A Day in the Life
Wrenchfarm: Alan Wake, Synchronicity and the presence of the Dark
garethxxgod: For Science...
mollygos: It 's One dangerous to go! Hold!
Son of Makuta: All Your Boss
Rei Lanzo: Effort Should Count
3uho: No console owner gamer
ThePhil: One Boy's Limit
Gilthalas: Curse of the secondary walls
Stevil: My other car is a Trotmobile!
AwesomeExMachina: Time for a new job
Ross Purcell: Pacific City in your city
Xandaca: The Crate Escape
chaotical: Once more with feeling
Chiben: My Love life evolves with Mass Effect
Trebz: The Beam Katana!
knutaf: If Cars Couldn't Kill
Nathsies: 1,21 gigawatts! "
SAMA1984: Your Character and You
BrunoDeckard: Potestas puniendi
MuddBstrd: Too Much Information
Manic Maverick: More Details Like Hearts
Shodan: Instant History
garethxxgod: "Father and Son
tomothy25: Subconscious security
Nathsies: Dreams Within Dreams
burningsoup: I've got friends!
randombullseye: A memoriam stanza
nekobun: Without  your eyes getting wet
Danny Merritt: Scholarly Pursuits (Mostly)
IceCreamSocialist: No Victory on This Road: A Real Pokemon Trainer, 14 Years On
SteezyXL: making the right decisions




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