Movies Games and Tech

Two minute review of the Power Pyramid for PS3 from Konnet

Andrew Edney

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Nov 26, 2012

Two minute review of the Power Pyramid for PS3 from Konnet

How do you deal with charging all your PS3 controllers at the same time, and without switching on the PS3? Well you need the Power Pyramid from Konnet, and here is our two minute review.

KONNET’s Power Pyramid is the ultimate charging/docking station for serious gamers. Features 4pcs PS3 charging docks. Powered by AC Adapter with no drain or overheating risk to the PS3 units. Features LED charging status indicators. Ideal for gamers who own a PlayStation 3 console.

Who are Konnet?

From their website:

KONNET Technology Inc. had been formed by a group of Audio and Visual consultants having strong understanding on true audio and visual quality in Canada. It started with A/V consulting services for A/V home users and some organizations in Toronto, assisting users in A/V product selection and A/V system setup. With the positive feedback from their customers, they had developed their own branded A/V peripherals for enhancing the performance and stimulating the true quality of A/V products in the digital entertainment world.

They recognize the quality of A/V products is not just depending on the core units of the A/V items like LCD TV, Audio system, CD players, DVD players, game consoles, etc. but also counting much on the transmission of the A/V signals. Where wire, switch, connector, power adapter and connecting devices that will work. Provided that both the core units and the accessories are well aligned, the true quality of A/V content will perform at their utmost level.

Further with the advancement of A/V technology and the lower cost of A/V products, they believe the new generation of digital entertainment should no longer be an expensive hobby and should extend to everyone. Then they started to design and develop A/V accessories for the mass market in order to bring up the true quality to all public.

What’s in the Box?

The Power Pyramid Charging Station and AC/DC Adaptor.

A Closer Look

Using the Power Pyramid

After you have plugged the power cable into the Pyramid, it is just a case of connecting the PS3 controller into one of the 4 slots.

The LED indicator displays charging status for each controller: Red = Charging / Blue = Fully Charged.

On average it takes about 3 hours to do a full charge.

Final Thoughts

The Power Pyramid from Konnet works really well and does what it says on the tin. You just plug in the power and up to four PS3 controllers and that’s it. The controller or controllers will start charging automatically and you can tell the progress of the charge based on what colour the LED indicator is.

The Pyramid is designed to be as small as it can be and so doesn’t take up lots of room and you can always use it to store your controllers when not in use.

The Power Pyramid retails for around £20, and it worth every penny.

Learn more from the Konnet website

Save 50% on my Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Book today for Cyber Monday

Andrew Edney

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Nov 26, 2012

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Save 50% on my Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Book today for Cyber Monday

My publisher, O’Reilly, have got a special deal on all books today as part of a Cyber Monday special, and one of those is my Working with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials e-book.

Use this link to add the Ebook to your cart with the discount code CYBERDAY – this special deal runs November 26, 2012 at 11:59pm PT.

Then the ebook can be yours for $17.99 – which is a bargain if I do say so myself!

Ubisoft releases In The Eye of ZombiU Episode 3 video

Andrew Edney

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Nov 26, 2012

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Ubisoft have released episode three of ZombiU – In The Eye of ZombiU which talks about their forthcoming game for the Wii U.

It has been foretold that the world as you know it will end in 2012… London is falling! Are YOU prepared?

For the second time in history, a great plague has descended upon London, infecting the human race with a deadly disease. Big Ben tolls as hundreds upon thousands of the unprepared die or are infected by a sickness worse than death…

You are still breathing, for now. But how long will you survive in the labyrinth of London streets and underground as the infected close in around you? The horrifying remains of humanity ravaged by the foul disease shuffle through the streets, waiting to prey on your living flesh at every turn!

ZombiU is designed to take advantage of the Wii U and its revolutionary new controller and will test your will to survive in a zombie Survival-Horror First Person Shooter. So grab hold of the height of survival kits – your new controller – and stock up your Bug-Out Bag with supplies! Make every second count; you only get one chance.

STAY HUMAN, WE ARE A DYING BREED.

And here is episode three:

Are you going to buy ZombiU? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

App Update: Dropbox for iPhone and iPad updated to version 1.5.7

Andrew Edney

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Nov 26, 2012

0

App Update: Dropbox for iPhone and iPad updated to version 1.5.7

Dropbox has updated it’s iPhone and iPad app to version 1.5.7, including improved video streaming.

Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all your computers, your iPhone and iPad and even the Dropbox website! With the Dropbox app, you can take everything that matters to you on the go.
Read your docs or flip through your albums when you’re out and about. Save photos or videos to your Dropbox and share them with friends in just a couple taps. Even if you accidentally leave your iPhone in a taxi, your stuff is always safe on Dropbox.

Features:

Always have your stuff with you, no matter where you are.
Add files to “Favorites” for fast, offline viewing.
Easily save photos and videos to your Dropbox.
Share your photos and docs with family and friends.
Save email attachments straight to your Dropbox.

What’s New in Version 1.5.7

• Improved video streaming
• Italian and Iberian Spanish language support
• Support for Password-protected Office documents (iOS 6)
• Various bug fixes and performance improvements

Download now from the Apple App Store

Kingston announces new 64GB microSDXC Class 10 memory card

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

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Nov 25, 2012

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Kingston Digital Europe last week announced a new 64GB Kingston microSDXC Class 10 memory card.

In the current age of smartphones and tablets, the need for more mobile data storage has become more important than ever. The Kingston microSDXC Class 10 card significantly improves a consumer’s digital lifestyle by delivering higher storage speeds and capacities to get the most out of their electronic and mobile devices.

Available in 64GB capacity, microSDXC cards offer additional storage for more music, videos, pictures and apps — more of everything the consumer needs in today’s mobile world. Fully compliant with the latest SD Association specification, Kingston’s microSDXC card operates on the exFAT file system, which is designed to handle extremely large volumes of data, such as files bigger than 4GB.

Kingston’s microSDXC Class 10 Memory Cards Features and Specifications:

· Compliant: with the SD Card Association specification

· Versatile: when combined with the adapter, can be used as a full-size SDXC card

· Compatible: with SDXC host devices; SDXC cards are not compatible with microSD & microSDHC-enabled devices/readers

· Guaranteed: lifetime warranty, free technical support

· Capacities: 64GB

· microSDXC Card Dimensions: 0.43″ x 0.59″ x 0.039″ (11mm x 15mm x 1mm)

· SD Adapter Dimensions: 0.94″ x 1.26″ x 0.08″ (24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm)

· High-Speed Class Rating: Class 10 – 10MB/s minimum data transfer rate

· Operating Temperature: -13°F to 185°F (-25°C to 85°C)

· Storage Temperature: -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C)

Mass Effect 3 Special Edition on the Wii U

Andrew Edney

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Nov 25, 2012

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Mass Effect 3 Special Edition on the Wii U

We recently got to interview Melanie Faulkner who is the External Producer on Mass Effect 3 Special Edition Wii U from EA – and we got to see the game in action.

In Mass Effect 3, players will be thrust into an all-out galactic war to save the galaxy from an ancient alien race known only as the Reapers. Players will assume the role of Commander Shepard, a war-torn veteran who’s willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate this nearly unstoppable foe.

With a team of elite, battle-hardened soldiers at your side, each player decides how they will take Earth back, from the weapons and abilities they utilize to the relationships they forge or break.

Over to Melanie:

Mass Effect 3 Special Edition for the Wii U is out next week.

Are you getting a Wii U? Are you interested in Mass Effect 3 Special Edition for the Wii U? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Dead Space 3 – an interview with Steve Papoutsis from Visceral Games

Andrew Edney

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Nov 25, 2012

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Dead Space 3 – an interview with Steve Papoutsis from Visceral Games

We recently interviewed Steve Papoutsis from Visceral Games who is the Executive Producer on Dead Space 3 from EA.

Dead Space 3 cuts to the heart of deep space terror with award-winning suspense, horror, action and sound. Slated for release in the dead of winter, players will embark on a thrilling ride through space that takes them to a hostile new planet, Tau Volantis. There, they must battle violent, subzero conditions and deadly, highly-evolved enemies including new Necromorphs, gigantic boss creatures and – for the first time in the series – a faction of Unitologist soldiers on a misguided mission.

Fortunately, they are not alone this time around. Players can choose to team-up with a friend anytime in Dead Space 3 with the fully integrated drop- in/drop-out co-op feature. Players that choose to take down the terror together will experience additional story details, side missions and gameplay mechanics only found when playing as the co-op character, John Carver.

Over to Steve:

With an all-new ice planet, drop-in/drop-out co-op, and exhilarating action, Dead Space 3 will re-set the bar for epic thrills in February 2013.

Does Dead Space 3 interest you? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Two minute review of the Atari iPhone 5 cover from GEAR4

Andrew Edney

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Nov 25, 2012

1

Two minute review of the Atari iPhone 5 cover from GEAR4

If you are looking for a cover for your iPhone 5 and you want something a little retro you might like the Atari iPhone 5 cover from GEAR4– and here is our two minute review.

Exclusive, officially licensed hard plastic protective cover for the iPhone 5 featuring the iconic Atari logo inside and outside.

Who are GEAR4?

From their website:

GEAR4 is owned and managed by Disruptive Limited. Established in 2004, Disruptive Limited is independently owned and was one of the first companies in the world to launch a dedicated brand of iPod accessories. The Product Development and Marketing teams, which are based in the UK, are committed to helping you get the most out of your SmartPhone or tablet. GEAR4 has both strong speaker and accessory ranges – the culmination of our passion for music, and the desire to maximise the capabilities of your device.

What’s in the box?

The box only contains the cover (although the box has images from the classic game Asteroids all over it).

A Closer Look

On the back of the cover is the Atari logo and inside the case is a graphic representing pong – I used to love that game as a kid! No one will ever see the inside of the cover but it made me smile to think about it.

Using the Cover

The iPhone 5 slips in the cover easily and feels very stable. Removing the iPhone from the cover was fairly easy to and didn’t involve me needing a screwdriver to force it off like other covers I have tried recently.

Final Thoughts

The case comes in either Red/White (the one we are reviewing) or Green/Black – both of which look great.

The case is very sturdy and feels very secure, I am more than happy to leave my iPhone 5 in it! The cover is made of hard wearing plastic and give you access to all buttons and ports on the iPhone.

If you want a really cool retro cover for your iPhone 5, then go grab the Atari cover from GEAR4. This is now my permanent iPhone 5 cover.

The price of the cover is £19.99, so it’s certainly in line with a lot of covers, and its cool (did I mention that)?

Check out the Gear4 website for more info

An interview with George Pigula about SimCity

Andrew Edney

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Nov 25, 2012

2

An interview with George Pigula about SimCity

Recently we got a demo of the new SimCity game from EA, and after the demo we had an opportunity to sit down with George Pigula who is a Producer on the game.

With its return in 2013, SimCity will engage an entirely new generation of PC and Mac gamers as they become mayors of their own unique and specialized cities to build a world that co-exists alongside friends. Built from the ground up to be an online, connected experience, SimCity is a fully connected world where each decision has a rippling effect that affects other players within the same region.

Provide water or electricity to your neighbours, watch Sims leave your city each morning for jobs in neighbouring cities, or work with friends to create one of many Great Works, like the International Airport, to benefit the entire region. Celebrate your triumphs when you all succeed, or relish your friends’ struggles. Experience SimCity World, the in-game feature that connects you to your friends and the rest of the Mayors around the world; you decide together how to build the region of tomorrow, today.

George Pigula works for Maxis and is a Producer working on SimCity and he took some time to sit and chat to us about SimCity.

Over to George:

SimCity will be released in February 2013 for the PC and Mac.

So are you interested in the new SimCity? If so let us know by leaving a comment below.

Interviewing Brian Allgeier from Insomniac Games about Fuse

Andrew Edney

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Nov 24, 2012

1

Interviewing Brian Allgeier from Insomniac Games about Fuse

We recently had the opportunity to interview Brian Allgeier from Insomniac Games who is the Creative Director on the new game Fuse from EA. Fuse, in case you haven’t heard about it before used to be called Overstrike. Ring any bells yet?

Fuse is a 4-player co-op, story driven action game that forces players to consider what happens when humans exploit alien technology they were never meant to have. Developed by award-winning Insomniac Games, Fuse enables players to use lethal teamwork as they battle a rogue paramilitary outfit that has stolen a volatile alien energy source called Fuse.

Each agent is equipped with Fuse-powered weapons that gives them unique capabilities to expand their strategic options and yield extraordinary results. Solo players can experience each unique agent by using the LEAP feature to switch characters at will during combat. As players complete objectives, they earn Fuse points that can be spent on powerful upgrades.

Over to Brian:

Here is the Fuse Mission Briefing Trailer:

And the announcement trailer:

I played Fuse for a short while and found it to be quite enjoyable. The ability to jump between characters was certainly interesting however I didn’t like the idea of the game being over if only one of the four characters dies. I get it if you are playing 4 player co-op, however if you want to play single player then you are responsible for all 4 players at the same time and if the computer happens to play poorly and one of the 3 characters you are not controlling dies its over. I reaming to be convinced how good it will be with less than 2 or 3 players.

Fuse is due to be released in March 2013.

So does Fuse interest you? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Battlefield 3: Aftermath interview with Craig Mcleod from Dice

Andrew Edney

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Nov 24, 2012

1

Battlefield 3: Aftermath interview with Craig Mcleod from Dice

The next release for Battlefield 3 is called Aftermath and we recently got to talk to Craig Mcleod from Dice all about it.

Rise from the ashes, rebuild your forces and bring down the enemy in Battlefield 3: Aftermath. Set in the shattered districts, streets and villages of a post-earthquake Iran, Battlefield 3: Aftermath depicts a continuing struggle for supremacy and survival amongst the devastation. With operational capacity severely compromised, players will fight through the dust and rubble in a vertical and horizontal urban combat setting. In Battlefield 3: Aftermath, players will have additional support in the form of heavily modified troop transport and civilian vehicles adapted to deliver deadly force to the enemy. Also making its debut in Battlefield 3: Aftermath is the deadly crossbow, a new weapon to help deliver silent kills on the battlefield.

Battlefield 3: Aftermath key features and information

· Four new maps including Epicenter and Markaz Market that introduces a fresh, destructive take on urban combat

· Three new vehicles modified to showcase ingenuity and firepower

· New Scavenger game mode, an objective based Conquest mode where lost soldiers armed only with a pistol must search the environment to find more powerful weapons and increasing their chance for survival

· Deliver death in silence with the all new crossbow

· Ten new Assignments

· Ten new dog tags

· Five new Achievements/Trophies

· Publisher: Electronic Arts

· Developer: DICE

· Formats: PlayStation3, Xbox 360, PC

· Release: Starting November 27^th for PlayStation 3 Premium members

· Players: 2-24 (consoles), 2-64 (PC)

· MSRP: $14.99 USD for PlayStation 3 and PC, 1200 MS Points

Over to Craig:

Have you tried Aftermath? Tell us what you think of it by leaving a comment below.

ITV Player App for iOS Updated to Version 2.1

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Nov 23, 2012

0

The ITV Player app for the iPhone and iPad has been updated to version 2.1.

Description

ITV Player on iOS is ITV’s new video catch-up service for mobile and tablet devices. This is the first iOS application that allows you to view ITV programmes on your handset – we hope you enjoy using it and would love to hear your feedback as we enhance the application.

You can watch all ITV programmes that we have the rights to show on mobile, for up to seven days after broadcast.

– Works on your iOS mobile and tablet devices – iPhone and iPad
– Requires a WiFi connection to play programmes
– Catch up on programmes from ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4
– Free to download with unlimited usage
– Browse recommended programmes
– Search for programmes by channel or alphabetically
– Navigate using portrait or landscape orientation

To use this application you need a mobile phone or tablet device that runs iOS 4.3 and is connected to wireless internet.

You must be in the UK to view our programmes. People in some regions will be restricted to only viewing ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 programmes. For more information, please see our support pages.

When you first use the app, we give you the option to submit your email address. This is so we can keep you informed about improvements and other exciting developments at ITV. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the welcome email that you will receive.

What’s New in Version 2.1

– Support for iPhone 5 users
We’ve optimised video playback to use the additional screen area

– iOS6 support and bug fixes

– Sponsored homepage and programme pages to keep your ITV Player experience free

Download now from the Apple App Store

FIFA 13 on the Wii U

Andrew Edney

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Nov 23, 2012

1

Next week sees the launch of both the Nintendo Wii U and EA’s FIFA 13 for it. We recently got to see the game and talk to Matt Prior who is the Line Producer.

EA SPORTS delivers its best football game ever on a Nintendo console with award-winning gameplay—including the Player Impact Engine—HD graphics, and over 500 officially licensed clubs. Three revolutionary new ways to play bring players of all abilities together, making this the most accessible FIFA console game ever made. Families can play together in Co-op Mode, where one player manages and up to four others play. Team Management Control features interactive radar to send players on supporting runs, attacking or defensive, and touch screen control to change tactics, formations or subs on the fly. Experience the thrill of managing your favourite football club in Manage Match, directing players from the sidelines and even giving half-time talks. Plus, view a statistical analysis of the match and any player at any time.

Innovations that utilize the Wii U GamePad put you on the pitch and immerse you in the action. Lift and look through the GamePad touch screen to aim the ball on set pieces and penalty kicks, then put the perfect curve on your shot and let it fly. Shake the GamePad to activate Touch Screen Shooting, removing the element of ‘hit and hope’ and allowing for pinpoint accuracy. Plus, connect and interact with friends like no other FIFA title. See your friends online and invite them to play, or message them in real time using touch screen typing.