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19 Aug 2009 04:43:30 GMT

According to a GameInformer article, the Xbox 360 still has a high failure rate, of 54.2 percent, due to the dreaded RROD, e74, and other errors, a number much higher than its current console rivals. The PlayStation 3 had a 10.6 percent failure rate and the Wii was even lower, at 6.8 percent. The survey used 5000 readers, but the article does mention a few notes to go along with the numbers. The Xbox 360 is the mot used console of the three, with 40 percent of respondents saying they use it 3-5 hours per day compared to 37 percent for PS3 owners and under 20 percent for Wii users, meaning the numbers may be a bit skewed. Additionally, those surveyed found Microsoft to have the most "unhelpful customer service," with consoles taking almost a month to be repaired or replaced, compared to 8 days for a PS3 or a Wii. 56 percent of respondents found Nintendo customer service "very helpful" compared to 51.1 percent for Sony and a measly 37.7 percent for Microsoft. Despite all those numbers however, only 3.8 percent of 360 owners said they would never buy another 360 console due to the hardware failure or the poor service.

19 Aug 2009 04:56:35 GMT

Netscape Communications creator Marc Andreessen has launched a new web browser, dubbed RockMelt along with two former partners, Eric Vishria and Tim Howes. Howes and Andreessen sold their company, Opsware Inc to Hewlett-Packard two years ago for $1.6 billion USD. Not much else is known about the browser but it appears that it will be designed in some way to work directly with Facebook. Andreessen is a board member of the social networking site. "There are all kinds of things that you would do differently if you are building a browser from scratch," added Andressen in a past interview with the NYTimes. You can sign up for the mailing list here: RockMelt.com

19 Aug 2009 05:14:28 GMT

Last week we reported on the imminent launch of the Dell Android phone, the Mini3i. Today, the phone has gone live, with mobile163 getting pictures. The specs: * Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE class 12 * Size: 68.6cc * 103g grams weight * Dimensions: 58 x 122 x 11.7mm * Display: 3.5″ nHD 640×360 LCD, 18-bit, 262K colors * OTA capable * Microsoft Exchange support * Google, AIM, Yahoo and MSN IM support * 3 megapixel auto-focus, flash, 8x digital zoom camera with 30fps video shooting mode, built in photo editor * USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR * A-GPS * On-screen QWERTY keyboard, hardwriting recognition, multi touch UI * MicroSD slot * NO 3G OR WI-FI The pics:

19 Aug 2009 23:06:00 EST

Whether or not Snow Leopard build 10A432 is really the ready-for-shipment "golden master," Apple's own site is giving hope to the masses that its next platform iteration is gearing up for a launch sooner rather than later. MacRumors is reporting that a Mac Box Set containing OS X 10.6 , iLife '09, and iWork '09 popped up on Apple's online store today priced at $169 for single users and shipping within 24 hours. The page itself no longer exists, although not before Google's spiders managed to pick up on it. It's probably wishful thinking to think this is indicative of a release before its projected September launch window -- and really, at this point, that's only a couple of weeks away -- if you were gonna hope for it anyway, here's some fodder for ya. - Snow Leopard box set briefly appears in Apple Online Store

18 Aug 2009 07:07:20 GMT

According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average age of adult video gamers is now 35, and video gamers are also fatter, less healthy and more depressed than non-gamers. The study used data from 500 adults in Washington aged 19-90. About 45 percent of the adults studied reported playing games. Washington was chosen because Seattle has the highest Internet usage level in the US. The CDC team, says the BBC, studied the perception of "mood, personality, health status, physical and mental health, body mass index (BMI) and quality of life" of the gamers. The study found that female video gamers were less healthy and were more depressed that non-gamers while male gamers had higher BMIs. CDC's James B. Weaver added: "Health risk factors, specifically a higher BMI and a larger number of poor mental-health days, differentiated adult video game players from non-gamers. Video game players also reported lower extraversion, consistent with research on adolescents that linked video-game playing to a sedentary lifestyle and overweight status."

18 Aug 2009 07:42:03 GMT

A judge has ruled today that Matthew Miller of Delaware must pay $210,000 in damages and court costs for selling hundreds of counterfeit copies of popular software on the auction site iOffer. The Business Software Alliance (BSA) adds that the software includes Photoshop, Office and software from Autodesk. Miller would pirate copies of the software, burn them to DVDs, and sell them to customers for about $10 USD. Miller was caught after he agreed to sell $11,900 worth of software to an undercover agent for $45 USD. The fine is $195,000 in damages and another $15,000 in court costs and lawyer fess. Miller must also delete all "infringing" copies of the software in "his posession." Jenny Blank, the BSA's senior director of legal affairs, added: "In the course of our efforts to stop software piracy, BSA and its member companies rarely take action against individuals. We prefer to educate and inform the public about the risks and consequences of using illegal software. But there are instances when the activities of individuals are both reprehensible and blatant, requiring the BSA and its members to act swiftly and definitively." "This kind of piracy is arguably one of the most devious types of Internet-based piracy because it involves actual sales of unlicensed software to consumers," says Blank. "Consumers should be aware that the majority of these 'too-good-to-be-true' offers originate from unscrupulous vendors. Not only are the products and services offered by these individuals often shoddy, counterfeit or downright fraudulent, but the consumer may be tricked into giving away sensitive financial and identifying information. You may think you're saving money, but in the end, it could be far more costly."

18 Aug 2009 08:15:05 GMT

According to Joystiq, the PlayStation Network will be down tomorrow from noon to 2PM EST for "maintenance," conveniently timed as Sony is set to have a press conference at the GamesCom event. While the service is down, PSP and PS3 gamers will not be able to play online or access the store. Rumors have been floating around that the store is closed so Sony can release, unannounced, firmware 3.0 which could possibly bring software emulation for PS2 backwards compatibility. GamesCom is the expected announcement date for long awaited PS3 price cuts.

18 Aug 2009 19:58:28 GMT

Today at their press conference during the GamesCom 2009 event, Sony has announced the long hyped Slim PS3, along with across the board price cuts on current models, a PlayStation Network update and the addition of Firmware 3.0. Price Cuts The price cuts are $100 USD on current models, including 160GB bundles and will be effective in North America as of tomorrow and already effective in the EU. Firmware 3.0 Firmware upgrade 3.0, set for a September release, will include a lot of aesthetic changes to the XMB as well as the addition of "What’s New, Status Indicator, Friends List, PlayStation Store Shortcuts, Personalization and improved Trophies." For more information on the upcoming firmware upgrade, watch the official Sony video on it: Slim PS3 The real big news for the day however, was the launch of the oft-rumored Slim PlayStation 3. The new model will include a 120GB HDD and will launch on September 1st with a pricetag of $299 USD/ 299 EU/ £249 / 29,980 YEN. The Slim will feature a 32 percent smaller and 36 percent lighter form factor and will also consume 34 percent less power. Notably, the Slim removes the otherOS ability (addition of Linux on partition) but adds Bravia Sync so users can control the PS3 via their Sony HDTV. PSP News Beginning October 1st, Sony will be launching PSP Minis, small games (100MB and under), that looks like direct competition to Apple and iPhone App Store. Sony says their will be 50 titles available by the end of the year. Additionally, the PSP will get a "Digital Reader" by December, that will allow users to read comic books on their handheld from Marvel. Pic via Gamespot: Video on Demand Finally, Sony announced the launch of a Video on Demand service for the PS3, which will allow gamers in France, Germany, Spain and the UK to download movies straight to their console or handheld. The service will go live in November with content from 20th Century Fox, Disney-ABC-ESPN Television1, Lionsgate2, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Starz Media2, Universal2, and Warner Bros. Some of the titles available at launch will be Angels and Demons; Bruno; The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; Crank 2; The Dark Knight; Dead Space: Downfall; Gran Torino; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; National Treasure; Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl; Public Enemies; Star Trek; Terminator Salvation; Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen; Valkyrie; and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Renters have 14 days to watch the film, and 24 hours to complete watching the film once they have started it. “PlayStation is becoming the home of entertainment from games to music channels, from creative platforms to virtual pets,” added Andrew House, President and CEO, SCEE. “The addition of the PlayStation Network video delivery service for PS3 and PSP provides a simple way for PlayStation owners to access movie content and enjoy the latest blockbuster whenever and wherever they choose.” To make buying movies easier, Sony has also launched PSN voucher cards, in €20 and €50 denominations, making it easier for gamers without credit cards to enjoy the services.

18 Aug 2009 20:53:47 GMT

Blockbuster has announced that they will begin offering a service that allows users to watch movies via their Motorola handsets. The rental company is stepping into mobile video for the first time, and has been struggling for years now, losing market share and customers to rivals such as Netflix and RedBox. There was not too much details available on the plan however the company said it would be an expansion of the OnDemand movie download service that is currently available through set-top boxes. There was no word on release date, file format, or price. Kevin Lewis, Blockbuster's vice president for digital entertainment, did add however that the service would debut with "thousands of films" available.

18 Aug 2009 05:55:00 EST

Look, we like the idea of an ergonomic workstation with a VESA monitor mount. Integrate a slip-in laptop dock and we might even be tempted to reach for our credit cards. But designer Rad Iliuta seems to have built the computer right into the chassis of the iropod (Interactive Robotic Pod) while fitting it with a battery "as powerful as a car battery" offering a claimed 24-hours of freedom... you know, when you want to pack this into your backpack or take it into the woods. It's said to be launching in the 3rd quarter of this year which by our count gives them until September to get this thing priced and rolled out the door, literally. However, without a single PC spec listed on its website of dubious design we have our doubts about that time schedule. Insane or insanely awesome, let Rad know your thoughts in the comments below. Quickie video after the break., Gallery: Video: iropod turns your desk into a big-ass mobile computerContinue reading Video: iropod turns your desk into a big-ass mobile computer DesktopsVideo: iropod turns your desk into a big-ass mobile computer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

18 Aug 2009 18:02:00 EST

DesktopsASUS' Ion-based Eee Top ET2002T makes itself known in France originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

18 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST

Desktops, Laptops, Tablet PCsAcer reportedly set to launch three touch-enabled, Windows 7-based devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

18 Aug 2009 23:21:00 EST

Alright, we understand that Acer's new Veriton N260G Atom nettop is primarily aimed at businesses and comes with novel features like "OneButton Recovery" system restore and "eLock Management" for data security, but the pricing seems way out of line to us: the NVIDIA Ion-powered AspireRevo starts at $299, while the Veriton uses the far less powerful Intel GMA 4500MHD chip and costs $399. That's pretty much all we need to know, but if you're still interested there's more info at the read link. DesktopsAcer Veriton N260G nettop arrives, does not blow minds originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

17 Aug 2009 07:27:45 GMT

The online retailers FNAC and Pixmania, of Portugal and Spain, have cut the price of their current 80GB PlayStation 3 stock by €100, down to €300, making a move that many expect Sony to officially announce next week. Also anticipated alongside the price cuts is the release of a Slim PS3, which will cost about the same price and will include a 120GB HDD and slimmer design, and cooler processor. PixMania PS3 Link FNAC PS3 link bundle + Infamous

17 Aug 2009 07:43:06 GMT

Japanese porn producers have sued 10,000 South Korean Internet users this week over breach of copyright for their part in uploading copywritten adult films to sites and P2P networks. The lawsuit was filed in Seoul and the Gyeonggi province however National Police Agency spokesmen refused comment. "Police will look into the case to see whether there was any breach of the law before deciding whether to initiate criminal probes against them," added a police officer, off the record, via the AP. The lawsuits claim the distribution of the porn is "very harmful to juveniles," and should be stopped. "We selected about 10,000 user IDs that earned financial benefits from habitually uploading pornography on websites," added an unnamed official. The porn producers are looking for financial damages.

17 Aug 2009 10:51:00 EST

IBM is already making a beeline to 28nm process technology, but it looks like the train may deviate a bit before it even reaches the bottom. Reportedly, the company responsible for PowerPC, the original business laptop and all sorts of underground things that we'll never comprehend is now looking to use DNA as a model for crafting the world's next great processor. DNA origami, as it's so tactfully called, can supposedly provide a cheap framework "on which to build tiny microchips," with IBM research manager Spike Narayan proclaiming that this is "the first demonstration of using biological molecules to help with processing in the semiconductor industry." Sir Spike also noted that "if the DNA origami process scales to production-level, manufacturers could trade hundreds of millions of dollars in complex tools for less than a million dollars of polymers, DNA solutions, and heating implements." The actual process still seems murky from here, but we're told to expect real results within ten years. Which should be just in time for the robot apocalypse to really hit its stride -- awesome.[Via HotHardware] Desktops, ScienceIBM studying 'DNA origami' to build next-gen microchips, paralyze world with fear originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

17 Aug 2009 22:03:00 EST

There's not a lot to go on here, but Lenovo's official Twitter account posted pictures of two products that are purportedly being revealed in more detail later this week. The IdeaCentre Q100 / Q110 nettops are said to be "some of the thinnest nettops in the world," and while the teaser image is certainly a looker, for better and for worse we can already smell the Atom processor from here. Also on the menu is the IdeaCentre D400, the company's first home server. We Got Served did a little digging, and as it turns out, the D400 was released in Asia at the beginning of this month, with four hot swappable bays, four USB ports, and an eSATA port. It'd be nice to know when this week Lenovo was planning to lift the veil of secrecy, but at least we won't be worrying about it come Saturday. [Via ThinkPad; thanks, Mark] - Q100 / Q110 nettops - D400 home server

17 Aug 2009 02:22:55 GMT

The Nintendo Wii console has sold over 800,000 units in the United Kingdom since early January, according to data obtained by GamesIndustry.biz earlier this week. Some confusion had arisen from a GAME financial statement which would suggested that the Wii and DS performances had slowed considerably in the UK. The newer Nintendo DSi model has sold 370,000 units in the UK since it emerged, giving it a faster rate of sale than the original DS and DS Lite in its first four months. Still going strong however, the Nintendo DS Lite has sold 680,000 units in the UK in 2009 so far. The numbers put the Nintendo consoles in a familiar strong position in the UK. The Wii console has an estimated total sales of 5.5 million in the region, followed by the DS at 1.6 million, the the DS Lite revision at 7.5 million and the new DSi at the previously stated 370,000 units.

17 Aug 2009 02:32:38 GMT

After registering as a legitimate political party in the United Kingdom, the UK Pirate Party received over 100 new members per hour, according to its leader. "It has exceeded all expectations. Put it this way, donations have been coming in so fast that PayPal were concerned we were a fraudulent site," said Andrew Peter Robinson, party leader. He continued: "The party was born of the feeling at the last European elections that there was no one to vote for and a group of us were jealous of people in Sweden who could vote for the Pirate Party." The party intends to contest as many seats as funding and resources will allow and may even contest a by-election if one shows up before the general election. However, Robinson is keeping a perspective on the reality of the Pirate Party's chances to gain any power. "We're not going to win any seats but we can get these issues discussed," he told The Register. As for the issues that the Party wants to get discussed, Robinson said the following: "The system as it is doesn't reward artists. Typical record contracts now grant 95 per cent of revenues to the record label, not the band. Reorganizing that would help make up for a lot of the shortfall from cutting the length of copyright." He also mentioned a will to legalize non-commercial file sharing and to end "excessive surveillance".

17 Aug 2009 02:48:13 GMT

In a letter brief filed in the ongoing court battle between Apple and the "Mac clone maker" Psystar, Apple has accused Psystar of destroying valuable evidence. Psystar sells what it calls "Open Computers", and gives an option to have Mac OS X Leopard pre-installed on a new system. Apple guards its operating system software for use with its computers only, and it sued Psystar, alleging that it breached the DMCA and the Max OS X license. Apple claims that in order for Psystar's systems to have been made Mac-compatible, Psystar had to circumvent technical elements of the software that prevents its unauthorized use. The company accused Psystar of improperly modifying or reverse engineering its software to enable it to run on these unauthorized systems - Psystar's "Open Computers". "Defendant, Psystar Corporation, has destroyed relevant evidence that it was legally required to preserve. Specifically, Psystar has overwritten -- i.e., erased -- infringing versions of the software code used on computers sold to its customers," the letter reads. Apple says that Psystar has erased prior versions of its software. This discovery was made when the company deposed Rodolfo Pedraza, CEO of Psystar, in order to discover how the company was circumventing the "technological protection measures". The destruction of evidence that has been sought by an opposing party in a legal dispute - called "spoliation" - is held in very low regards by the courts. If its true, then things will become a lot harder for Psystar.

17 Aug 2009 06:37:39 GMT

Thanks to the XM radio show Covino and Rich, the world now has video of what appears to be a third generation iPod Touch, which includes a camera and a microphone, two highly anticipated additions. In proof of the authenticity, the hosts show a 2009 copyright and a chrome back which does not yet have any logos or legal notices. View the video here: Covino and Rich Apple iPod Touch third generation video proof

15 Aug 2009 19:10:09 GMT

Yesterday we reported that China Unicom had made a large purchase of 5 million iPhone 3GS units, but today the carrier is denying the reports, calling the rumors "definitely not true." China Unicom’s spokesman Yi Difei added that “talks between us and Apple have been going on for some time”, but no deal has been made as of yet, as some hurdles have not been cleared. Apple spokeswoman in beijing Tiffany Yang also added that there was still no official word on the iPhone's launch in China. We will keep you updated.

15 Aug 2009 19:24:07 GMT

Last September, Minnesota woman Jammie Thomas was convicted of sharing 24 unauthorized tracks via P2P and was told to pay the RIAA $220,000 in damages. Thomas was granted a retrial however, and the case went to verdict again in June. Thomas was found to have "committed willful violation" of the copyrights on all 24 songs and the jury awarded the RIAA and the media companies $1.92 million USD, equivalent to $80,000 for each song. Today, the U.S. Department of Justice has called the gigantic fine constitutional, and acceptable. The legal brief, via Cnet, says: "Congress took into account the need to deter the millions of users of new media from infringing copyrights in an environment where many violators believe that they will go unnoticed." Prosecutors, during the case, made sure to note that current intellectual property laws allow copyright holders to sue for up to $150,000 USD per work "stolen."