Samsung has announced the Galaxy S4 Zoom, a new version of its flagship smartphone with advanced photographic capabilities. The Android handset, which comes with a 16-megapixel CMOS Sensor, optical image stabiliser and Xenon Flash, is the first device of its kind to offer 10X optical zoom.
The phone’s interface has also been revised, with a ‘Zoom Ring’ added for speedy in-call photo sharing, and instant access to the Quick Launch and Shortcut features.
Samsung has also included a raft of smart photography software on the handset, such as Photo Suggest, which connects the users to a huge library of images shot by fellow photographers at your current location as a means of suggesting the best shooting angles.
Core hardware specs of the Galaxy S4 Zoom include a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED display with a 960×540 resolution and the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system. The internal memory is 8GB, expandable by up to 64GB via the hot-swappable microSD card slot. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 LE and A-GPS. The Samsung S4 Zoom will be able to make phone calls and supports 3G with HSPA and even LTE connectivity.
“Combining our industry leading expertise in digital imaging and smartphones, the Galaxy S4 Zoom is a converged device that delivers on all fronts and is a product we are excited to be bringing to the market,” said Samsung UK president Simon Stanford.
The Galaxy S4 Zoom is one of several versions of the flagship Android handset
Bayonetta 2: Developed by Platinum Games, the game’s title character has had a makeover that gives her a new hairstyle and costume. Her climactic abilities are more powerful and the action is as intense as ever. The game is scheduled to launch in 2014 for the Wii U.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl6qmIk9s_8?feature=player_detailpage%5D
Microsoft announced a sequel to Kinect sports at their E3 conference. Entitled Kinect Sports Rivals, the sequel will follow-up the best selling Kinect title as an Xbox One launch game, later this year.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WDX1Jqnfww?feature=player_detailpage%5D
Microsoft will begin phasing out its MS Points system, switching it for real currency. A new Q&A published by Microsoft explains these changes, focusing on areas such as being able to use a single account across Microsoft stores on Windows Phone, Windows 8 and Xbox.
Everything is explained below so have a read.
Microsoft Points to Currency Q&A
What is changing?
We are excited to announce that as part of the fall 2013 update, Microsoft Points will be retired, and transactions will take place using local currency! The monetary value of your Microsoft account will be stored in local currency as well, offering you a new, convenient way to purchase exciting Xbox content. This change allows you to use a single Microsoft account to purchase games, movies, apps, and entertainment from your favourite Xbox stores and the Windows Phone Store!
How does this change affect me?
You will begin using local currency or an Xbox Gift Card (denominated in your local currency) to buy music, games, videos, and more from your favourite Xbox stores. When you use your existing Microsoft Points to initiate a purchase or redeem a Points card with your Microsoft account later this year, we’ll deposit into your account an amount of money equal to or greater than the marketplace value of your Microsoft Points, and your Microsoft Points will be retired. The purchased funds you deposit into your account after the transition will not expire. However, the funds we deposit into your account at the time of the transition will expire one year from the deposit date.
Is there anything I need to do?
As long as your account location is set to one of the following countries or regions (see the next question, below) and you have a billing address on file in your Microsoft account, there is nothing you need to do.
Which regions are affected by this change?
Microsoft Points will be retired in all countries/regions. Content previously available for purchase with Microsoft Points will soon be available for purchase with currency in the following places:
– Argentina France Mexico Spain
– Australia Germany Netherlands Sweden
– Austria Greece New Zealand Switzerland
– Belgium Hong Kong SAR Norway Taiwan
– Brazil Hungary Poland Turkey
– Canada India Portugal United Arab Emirates
– Chile Ireland Russia United Kingdom
– Columbia Israel Saudi Arabia United States
– Czech Republic Italy Singapore
– Denmark Japan Slovakia
– Finland Korea South Africa
How will you ensure that I will get a currency credit that is equivalent to what I paid for my Microsoft Points?
To make this a seamless and positive experience for our customers, we have considered many factors to ensure that the amount deposited in your Microsoft account will be of equal or greater marketplace value than your Microsoft Points.
Am I going to lose my Xbox LIVE Rewards?
No. Microsoft Points that you’ve earned through Xbox Live Rewards will remain in your Xbox account and will transition to your local currency with the rest of your Microsoft Points. Prior to the transition, all your earned Pending Points will be deposited into your account.
What will happen to Microsoft Points Cards?
Microsoft Points Cards will continue to be redeemable on your console and on Xbox.com throughout 2014 and for a limited time thereafter but will be discontinued after the launch of Xbox Gift Cards this fall. Please note that any funds we deposit into your account at the time of the transition will expire one year from the deposit date. Xbox Gift Cards, which will be denominated in your local currency, will be available for purchase in retail stores and through online retailers.
What if I have codes and/or Microsoft Points Cards that I haven’t redeemed?
Go ahead and redeem them! Even after your account transitions, we’ll still accept purchased Microsoft Points Cards and codes through 2014 and for a limited time thereafter, and we’ll credit you an amount of currency equal to or greater than the Marketplace value of those points as we phase out the Microsoft Points program.
Can I add funds to my Microsoft account online?
Yes! Xbox Gift Cards, which will be denominated in your local currency, can be added to your Microsoft account online. Xbox Gift Cards will be available for purchase through our online retailers’ websites and in local retail stores this fall. In the meantime, please continue to purchase and redeem Microsoft Points cards and codes – we’ll accept them through 2014 and for a limited time thereafter. Please note that any funds we deposit into your account at the time of the transition will expire one year from the deposit date.
Can I take funds out of my Microsoft account?
No. While you can’t get a cash payout of funds from your Microsoft account, you can use the funds in your account to buy a variety of Xbox content—from apps in the Windows Phone Store for your Windows Phone 8 to games in the Xbox Games Store.
Can I transfer funds from one Microsoft account to another?
No. Once your Microsoft account is funded, those funds can’t be transferred to another Microsoft account. Xbox Gift Cards make for great gifts and can be purchased in retail locations or through any of our online retailers’ websites.
Do I have to use the funds in my Microsoft account as my primary payment method?
No. Although your account will initially be set up with the currency in your Microsoft account as your payment method, you can still purchase content using another form of payment, including credit cards.
Can I split payment between an Xbox Gift Card or my Microsoft account and a credit card?
We do not offer a split payment option at this time. However, this option may be available in the future.
Which tax locale will be used in calculating my purchases?
We will not apply taxes when you purchase digital content using funds that we deposit into your account at the time of the transition. However, when you use funds that you deposit into your account after the transition (including from Xbox Gift Cards, which will not be subject to tax at purchase), all appropriate taxes will be applied to those purchases based on the ship-to address for your account.
Where can I use the funds in my Microsoft account?
At this time, your Microsoft account can be used to buy a variety Xbox content from your favourite Xbox stores, as well as content from the Windows Phone Store using your Windows Phone 8.
Can I buy an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership with an Xbox Gift Card or the funds in my Microsoft account?
At this time, Xbox Gift Cards can’t be used to buy an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership. However, this option may be available in the future.
Can I buy an Xbox Music Pass with an Xbox Gift Card?
At this time, Xbox Gift Cards can’t be used to buy an Xbox Music Pass. However, this option may be available in the future.
Can I use the funds in my Microsoft account to buy third-party content and subscriptions, such as Netflix, Vudu HD movies, HBO GO, or Hulu Plus?
No. Funds in your Microsoft account can’t be used to buy third-party content, such as TV programs, movies, games, and app subscriptions. However, you can purchase such content using another form of payment, including credit cards.
How do I change my account location?
You can move your Microsoft account from the region it’s associated with now to any other region up to one time every three months. However, the funds in your Microsoft account will not move with you, so be sure to spend your money before you change your account location!
Can I redeem currency from a different region in my account?
No. You can only redeem currency from the region associated with your account.
Today Activision has released the first information on the New Skylanders Swap Force, Skylanders is “mixing it up” with the newest game in the award-winning, top-selling franchise. Skylanders SWAP Force builds upon the success of the franchise’s signature gameplay and collectible toy experience, adding an all-new dimension to the “toys to life” innovation. The game introduces a compelling play pattern — dynamic swapability — that lets gamers transform 16 SWAP Force inter-action figures into more than 250 unique characters by swapping the top and bottom halves of the toys. Now, Portal Masters can mix and match characters’ powers and moves and experience an unprecedented level of choice than ever before seen in a Skylanders game. Fans also can play Skylanders SWAP Force with their entire collection of 100+ characters from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure and Skylanders Giants.
Developed by Vicarious Visions (Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4),Beenox (Wii) and n-Space (3DS). With a Release date of 13th Oct, 2013 – North America; 16th Oct, 2013 – Australia; 18th Oct – Europe
Skylanders SWAP Force RattleShake
Skylanders SWAP Force features new abilities – such as flying, climbing, digging, bouncing, or teleporting – which can be used in previously unexplored areas of Skylands centered on these play mechanics. Additionally, the game features 16 new core characters, eight new LightCore™ characters and 16 new versions of fan favorite Skylanders from previous games. Now kids will have more than 100 characters from which to choose. The game’s high-resolution graphics brings detailed characters and richer environments to life, immersing players in the game like never before.
Skylanders SWAP Force WashBuckler
In Skylanders SWAP Force, Portal Masters embark on an all new adventure in the mysterious Cloudbreak Islands, home to a mystical volcano that erupts every hundred years to replenish the magic in Skylands. During an epic battle, a brave group of Skylanders were caught in the volcano’s eruption, which blasted them apart and sent them to earth. But, the magic of the volcano gave these heroes a remarkable new power — the ability to swap halves – turning them into a special team known as the SWAP Force. Meanwhile, Kaos is back with a new evil plan. And now, Portal Masters everywhere must reassemble the SWAP Force — in their original form or in new combinations — and send them back to Cloudbreak to save Skylands!
Skylanders SWAP Force StinkBomb
Skylanders SWAP Force RollerBrawl
KEY FEATURES:
Skylanders SWAP Force StealthElf
More Play Options – Skylanders SWAP Force delivers a diverse and dynamic, story-driven gameplay experience, filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini games, and drop-in/drop-out co-op play — all set within compelling environments. With each new addition to their Skylanders SWAP Force collection, Portal Masters unlock exciting new possibilities. Seasoned fans can play Skylanders SWAP Force with their entire
Watch the New E3 Official Skylanders Swap Force Trailer
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ekUEODNI0w?feature=player_detailpage&w=640&h=360%5D
Skylanders SWAP Force NightShift
Skylanders SWAP Force MagnaCharge
Skylanders SWAP Force Star Strike
Skylanders SWAP Force FreeRanger
Skylanders SWAP Force Countdown
Skylanders SWAP Force BlastZone
Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) announced today the Mad Catz M.O.J.O., an Android Micro Console configured to harness the maximum gaming horsepower from an Android device expected to ship Holiday 2013.
“M.O.J.O. is basically a supercharged smart phone with no screen that plugs into your flat screen TV to bring the living room experience to mobile gaming. M.O.J.O. is designed to interact seamlessly with our GameSmart controllers, mice, keyboards and headsets, in fact, the entire eco-system of gaming peripherals.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “We also want M.O.J.O. to be a truly open platform. People are already comfortable buying games from Google Play™, Amazon®, TegraZone™ or any other retailer of their choice. They play those games on their phones and tablets already, and with M.O.J.O., they will be able to play them in the living room at no additional cost. The same approach applies to movies, music and any other digital media. Our focus is on providing the best hardware configured for performance, not forcing people to buy content from us.”
M.O.J.O. is expected to include the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Wireless GamePad. A true, console quality controller, the C.T.R.L.R features both Bluetooth® classic and Bluetooth Smart (4.0) technology which provides ultra-low latency, interference free gaming and exceptional battery life. In addition, the C.T.R.L.R features a ‘Mouse-Mode’ which allows gamers to enjoy many software titles originally designed for a touch interface in the comfort of their living room.
Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) announced today the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Wireless GamePad for mobile and smart devices expected to launch Summer 2013.
“Smart devices have made considerable inroads in delivering all forms of entertainment including music, movies, books, social media, and games. Mobile gaming is a vibrant and exciting space and we don’t see controller-based games replacing touch screen games, we expect them to enhance and enlarge the smart device gaming experience to include the living room experience. The C.T.R.L.R delivers the performance, interface modes, and connectivity to deliver a console-quality experience from the broadest range of mobile and smart devices,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “We believe the C.T.R.L.R with proprietary GameSmart technology fits perfectly with our long-term strategy of designing innovative products for passionate gamers.”
The C.T.R.L.R features three Human Interface Device (HID) modes to support all game interfaces:
– GameSmart Mode implements the standard HID controls for simplified gaming on the Android™ platform.
– Mouse Mode for touch screen games.
– PC Mode implements standard PC pad controls.
In addition, the C.T.R.L.R features both Bluetooth® Classic and Bluetooth Smart (4.0) technologies to enable connectivity to current, future and legacy smart devices.
GameSmart control products function through the Bluetooth Smart stack, are game and hardware independent, and will have a smart device app to provide additional functionality. By utilizing Bluetooth Smart, GameSmart products will enable simplified setup, longer battery life and universal compatibility for the latest smart devices. In addition, GameSmart offers game developers and game publishers standardization, ease of implementation and scalability when enabling controller and console-like accessory functionality in mobile games.
Employing traditional gamepad controls with physical action and shoulder buttons, D-Pad, and analog sticks, the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.R Wireless GamePad removes the need for fingers and thumbs to block your touchscreen during mobile gaming. To ensure compatibility with multiple Bluetooth devices, the C.T.R.L.R employs a dual-mode Bluetooth v4.0 radio. As an official Bluetooth Smart Ready device, the controller seamlessly functions with new, low-energy Bluetooth Smart devices as well as the billions of classic Bluetooth devices already in the market today. When paired with the Mad Catz A.P.P. you can adjust the profiles and settings of the C.T.R.L.R to customize gameplay for a wide range of games.
Mad Catz Announces Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for Xbox One.
“We’re proud of our heritage in specialty controllers and believe that passionate gamers will appreciate the evolution of our FightStick design which we are introducing for the Xbox One.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “We earlier commented how the enhanced performance of the Xbox One opens up additional scope for innovation and believe that the Tournament Edition 2 FightStick perfectly illustrates our commitment to the next generation of entertainment.”
Expected to be the first fighting game controller available for Xbox One, the Tournament Edition 2 Arcade FightStick features arcade-perfect controls and has been extensively designed with the community and
If you missed the Nintendo Direct@E3 2013 Presentation then you can watch it now below.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSV5uu0E1w4?feature=player_detailpage%5D
Nintendo have announced that Super Smash Bros will make its debut on Wii U and 3DS next year.
Nintendo have announced that a new Donkey Kong Country title will release on Wii U later this November.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmYLnir45Gw?feature=player_detailpage%5D
Nintendo has revealed the list of third party and indie titles that are set to release in the near future for Wii U and 3DS.
