Thursday, February 16, 2006

News round-up

I was away for a few days and unable to post updates. I have been checking news sites, though, and here is just a brief round-up of some important news.



Taipei Game Show brings no news about the PlayStation3. The console was not playable, old trailers were shown and I was totally wrong predicting that would be so.

Source: TVG



PlayStation3 will launch in the US by September 2006.

Source: Next Generation
Thanks to: TVG



PlayStation3 will launch in Europe no earlier than March 2007.

Source: SPOnG



PlayStation3 will have an optional hard drive.

Source: TVG



Concerning the PSP, a number of movie studios have downsized their UMD disc output, including Sony Pictures.

Source: Variety
Thanks to: Slashdot Games



Sony Computer Entertainment´s Phil Harrison is penciled in as the last keynote speaker at the Game Developers Conference.

Source: Gamasutra



The DS (and possibly the Revolution) will run a dedicated version of the popular Opera browser.

Source: N-Sider



The DS will feature a digital TV tuner and antenna that will turn the DS into a mobile television.

Source: Ars Technica



A patent revealed a mysterious slot at the back of the Revolution console.

Source: IGN
Thanks to: Connect Revolution



That´s right. Plenty of Sony news, less on Nintendo. Mainly good news for Nintendo, though.

51 comments:

Anonymous said...

The prevailing theory on the mystery slot is that it is what the sensor for the rev remote will plug into.

Falafelkid said...

Ah! Interesting. I hadn´t thought of that.

Anonymous said...

I have to say, that after thinking about it thoroughly for a long time I'm at a point,where I am inclined to doubt that a so called 3rd revolutionary aspect or feature for Revolution exists.To make my point clear,let me first tell you that there are quite a few reasons why I took this view.
First and foremost,what really comes to mind for instance are all the statements Reggienator Fils-Aime launched out about what makes the Revolution so unique.In every interview he conducted so far,he underlined that the controller would make all the difference and nothing else.If there really was something as magnificent as the controller waiting to be revealed, why didn't he tease with the sort of cryptic comments we have come to expect and they hyped us with prior to when the controller was shown in the time frame E3 to TGS?That doesn't add up.

I presume what Miyamoto was talking about when he insisted that another secret is left to be disclosed,was something that was related to the controller,like built in voice-recognition for example.This makes sense,since its already integrated in the bongos that are neccessary to expirience Donkey Konga or Jungle Beat.It's nothing too big.

Besides, does anybody remember Ign Nintendo Minute Vol.20,where Matt asked George Harrison, senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Nintendo of America if Nintendo had revealed everything there is to know about Revolution?

Well,here is the awnser:

"No, we have not entirely pulled back the curtain on Revolution just yet. There are lots of exciting details about its capabilities and the unique gameplay you'll experience on it that we're keeping under wraps -- for now. We know you're very anxious to learn the full potential of the system, and soon we'll be able to share more with you!

Keeping some Revolution cards close to our chest is a strategic decision on Nintendo's part. Every Nintendo console launch in the past has been shrouded in some level of secrecy due to Nintendo's desire to innovate and provide new gaming features and technology. With Revolution, this could be the most innovative product Nintendo has ever created in the history of the company. So even though we've already shown you the basics on Revolution, you can be sure that there are still a few more surprises we're holding for a later date.

When? You'll slowly begin to know more as we enter 2006 and as the year unfolds, and especially at E3, you'll be immersed in Revolution news.

We'll be eager to hear what you have to say and think you'll be pleased with what's in store around the corner!"

What I found quite odd or suspect about his awnser was that he didn't seem to have the notion of one big additional secret waiting to be revealed,although thats clearly what Matt was getting at since rumours of this being the case are omnipresent.Instead,he refferd to lots of exciting details they are holding underwraps.I have a question for you:If there really was one big secret why didn't he hint at it someway somehow like Nintendo kept on doing with the controller, since it wouldn't hurt and contrariwise built up hype ?Maybe because there really isn't a 3rd revolutionary aspect?In my opinion everything indicates that there's no such thing.

Falafelkid, I'm very curious to know how you would access the situation!?

- The I.A.L.S

jose said...

we still wonder why you disapear when nintendo makes important announcements :P

Falafelkid said...

Hi Coleco. Ever notice that when I drink something, Iwata never speaks at the same time?

Falafelkid said...

Oh, and Light Shedder. I read your post already and said I would reply next week. I´m still quite busy with other things now. So please be patient and don´t double-post. I´ve read your comments already - good ones, I should add.

Shoxware Games said...

Now why should the Revmote Sensor be on the Back of the Console?? I heard that you can place them wireless in the left and right of your television.

Anonymous said...

march 2007 in Europe ? is this official ??

shti de la belle province.

Anonymous said...

Eh yes sorry,somehow I only noticed it afterwards..

Anonymous said...

Also Falfelkid, the new UK Nintendo mag had a picture of the revolution and its cradle and the caption of the photo said that the cradle was a charger.

Anonymous said...

falafelkid is gay.

Anonymous said...

here is a link to a google translation, Thunder Emperor

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.consolewars.de%2Fnews%2Fnewsdisplay.php%3Fidx%3D10963&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

Anonymous said...

The mystery slot is a simple digital optical cable slot. If you are to look at one on the back of any av receiver you will likely agree. The two have the exact same shape with the top corner cut off at a diagonal. Another point is look at its location it is right by the video out on the back and they are usually located next to each other on any eloctronic device.

Anonymous said...

Matt has interviewed Reggie:

http://media.revolution.ign.com/
articles/689/689186/vids_1.html


*hype* *hype* *hype* *hype*

E3 WILL ROCK!!! ;-)

Anonymous said...

What if the slot at the back is just for the internal DVD add-on?

Anonymous said...

Been doing some research lately..
Here is what I found at the trademark office :(Note:Just put the pieces together it's not possible to post the whole thing it should work..)

http://patimg2.uspto.gov/.p

iw?

docid=US006971957&PageNum=1&&IDKey=

B085462A8B64&HomeUrl=http://patft.u

spto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?

Sect1=PTO1%2526Sect2=HITOFF%

2526d=PALL%2526p=1%

2526u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm%

2526r=1%2526f=G%2526l=50%

2526s1=6971957.WKU.%

2526OS=PN/6971957%2526RS=PN/6971957

GAME SYSTEM AND PROGRAM USING A SHADOW VOLUME TO DISPLAY A SHADOW OF AN OBJECT IN A THREE DIMENSIONAL VIDEOGAME

Date of patent: 6.Dezember 2005

Abstract:
A DVD-rom stores a plurality of shadow volume data corresponing to respective attitudes of an object which casts a shadow.A cpu sets a shadow volume corresponding to the attitude of the object by performing interpolation based on the shadow volume data as nessecary.Based on the thus set shadow volume,a GPU determines a shadow region using a stencil buffer.Based on the determined results,the GPU updates luminance information of each pixel stored in a color buffer.According to this configuration,when a game uses the shadow volume to draw a shadow,it is possible to reduce the proccessing load caused by setting the shadow volume while drawing a more realistic shadow corresponding to the attitude of the object which casts the shadow.

-IALS

Anonymous said...

Check this out:

If your german isn`t that fantastic,
watch (or "hear") the video! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Ups...

here`s the link:

http://www.zdnet.de/news/videos
/0,39023127,39138220,00.htm

Anonymous said...

didn't they say that you would be able to play the revolution on a Computer monitor? Could that hole be for that purpose?

Anonymous said...

No, they should be able to use regularf I/O cables for that and another hole wouldnt be needed. It might be for the motion sensors, or for charging or something.

Blizz419 said...

thunder emperor that had nothing to do with a processcor at all, look at nomads translation link

Blizz419 said...

and i say that "secret port" is definatly for the sensor bars, i highly doubt they are wireless

Anonymous said...

About the second ventilator on the Revolution. In Nintendo's official magazine it says that the stand will function as a powersuply. Now if that is true (it's the official magazine) then the second ventilator could cool it through a hole in the stand. what do you think?

Anonymous said...

OH GOD.

you MUST read this.
http://forums.e-mpire.com/showthread.php?t=52270

Anonymous said...

That`s what we`re already talking about. ;-)

Blizz419 said...

i'm sorry this speculation i think is starting to get outta hand, i really dont think we are going to see anytype of projection on the Rev.

Blizz419 said...

the sensor bars go on or near the TV, not in the system itself, and i think it is highly unlikely that they will be wireless therefore the most logical explanation for that port is for the sensor bars, why is it so common that people think that is not the case i do not understand it seems obvious to me.

Blizz419 said...

i thnk theres a 99.8% chance that the "mystery port" is for the sensor bars for the Revmote it makes the most sense

Blizz419 said...

lol, well they gotta plug in somewere and it would be unattractive if they plugged into the front

Blizz419 said...

um ok somebody has some issues, and even through an uncle howie quote in there, could that be you light shedder? and also note its not bliss its blizz so i dont see how my blizz could be ignorence lol

Anonymous said...

I'm with Blizz on the un-identified port on back, it should be for the revmote sensors.

But what about the flip-panel on the front, under the DVD slot? Some are talking about a projector of some sort... Anyone as other ideas?

It must be something important, if not Nintendo would not have left that 'movable' part there.

Anonymous said...

Hi Blizz,
No,that wasn't me but it's clear that some retard likes to bite Non Phixion lol..
He obviously saw your picture and tried to be cool by immitating them lol.
Please go and play elsewhere kiddies..

Blizz419 said...

Babble i'm not sure if its offically been stated but i am willing to bet that under that flap is the 2 SD card slots. i highly doubt we will see any type of projection with the Rev.

Jon Gardner said...

Yeah, i had always assumed that the SD card slot(s) were in there. Damn you Nintendo, always so secretive. Is it the mystery that makes you so alluring?

Anonymous said...

I don't know how James Wang (The Founder of Wang Film witch is in Taiwan) can stand The PS3 when he's a Revolution Man. ' _ '

Anonymous said...

Yes, I saw on IGN that that is where the SD slots were. But why would the slots have to be protected?

FS

Jon Gardner said...

They are protected, because Nintendo has this thing set up as a sexy beast.

Anonymous said...

the cradle caption says power supply not charger

Anonymous said...

About that mystery slot ...
Remember some picture that you show us ?

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/
1480/1168/1600/P1000683.jpg

By close look to it ... this slot just add after it's finish (so those slot might not for the sensor and it's just make ... I think)

Anonymous said...

I ran into this :

http://darkzero.co.uk/index2.php?newsid=1807

Sega seems to be preparing a gun attachment for the controller.

Anonymous said...

Unless it's for the DC.

Anonymous said...

Fake or real? But it's sure the Revolution will fit perfectly in your room and look very good at the same time.

Anonymous said...

http://www.evilgamerz.com/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=4181

Anonymous said...

I think the main point that comes out of all of this is that all the ports on the back and side of the Revolution for power, video, "classic" controllers, memory cards (and possibly audio) are the same as the Gamecube. I see Nintendo smacking everyone in the face on launch by releasing their "core" system which is simply the console, 1 new controller and its stand, nothing else. So a Gamecube owner already has all the leads and cards necessary to play it fully. Also don't forget Nintendos links with Panasonic, that old GCN memory card with the SD adapter may be useable on it too...

Avery said...

that's a pretty sweet Photoshop, sule. Can't wait to see one of those in my room.

Mr. Miyamoto said...

I have a more in-depth analysis of the Revolution patents here:

http://fanboynews.blogspot.com/2006/02/revolution-patent-mystery.html

Thanks.

Anonymous said...

If Nintendo wants to be able to add dvd playback to the Revolution then it is going to need to have a digital audio connection so that you will be able to hear dolby digital or dts sound and just looking at the shape of the plug-in on the back panel it is most likely just a digital optical cable slot as there are not any digital coaxial cable plug-ins on the back of the unit.

Anonymous said...

Again check

http://www.evilgamerz.com/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=4188

and for PS3 controler

http://www.evilgamerz.com/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=4186

Shoxware Games said...

I bet the Revmote-Sensors are wireless. Blizz imagine that cable-salad... noo,noo that would be way too uncomfortable! seriously

Anonymous said...

shoxware- What?

Anonymous said...

projector ... It's something too expensive to fit in 200$ console ... I think