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Best gadget news |
- News@8pm: Nokia sales and Amazon Games Downloads
- Android app news: NASA app launches as final shuttle lands
- Battlefield 3 trailer outs multiplayer gameplay footage
- Nokia makes record £323million loss
- Amazon Game Download Store UK release in October?
- FIFA 12 head: photo-realistic gaming 'pretty close'
- Windows Phone 7 Mango will not add in-app purchases
- New Guitar Hero game in the works reveals Activision CEO
- Panasonic Lumix FZ48 official
- Angry Birds developer Rovio targetting 1 billion fans
- Another death at Foxconn factory
- Wii U getting GameCube titles?
- HP Movie Store lands on TouchPad
- White Apple MacBook available only to schools
- White MacBook lives on
| News@8pm: Nokia sales and Amazon Games Downloads Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT
Welcome to your nightly round-up of the day's news and goings on courtesy of T3.com Nokia has admitted that its poor sales figures over the last six months have cost the company a staggering £323 million. The 25 per cent plummet in sales has forced the company well into the red. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced that its soon to be released WP7 Mango update will not feature in-app purchases, despite it being a popular feature on the Android and iOS platforms.
EA Sports has claimed that it is "pretty close" to replicating photo-realism in its games, specifically in the FIFA franchise. Elsewhere, Activision unveiled that it plans to relaunch the recently deceased Guitar Hero series, and said that a new title from the franchise was in the works.
Electronics giant Panasonic has officially announced that its new Lumix FZ48 camera, and it looks to be one of the hottest cameras for release this year. Rovio has also been talking of new products, and declared its intentions to stick with the popular Angry Bird series, rather than branching out to develop new projects. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Android app news: NASA app launches as final shuttle lands Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:42 AM PDT
The space program is officially over, but here's a mighty cool official app from NASA. As the illustrious NASA Space Program draws to a close with the final landing of Atlantis, the Space Agency has launched an official application for Android.
The NASA App features "a huge collection of stunning images, videos, mission information and news" as well as live streaming from the NASA TV service.
The app also features current mission information and countdown clocks - although with the Space Shuttle Program on the outs, that content might be a little bit thin on the ground.
The free app also provides information on when the International Space Station will be visible in your local and you can also track the position of the ISS and other earth orbiting satellites as they pass above us.
Naturally there's social networking integration, including access to the Agency's Twitter feed and the ability to share content on your own Twitter and Facebook pages.
The app is available now for Android, iPhone and iPad and is a free download for all platforms. It looks like an absolute belter, but the timing of its launch is ironic to say the least.
Link: Telegraph
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Battlefield 3 trailer outs multiplayer gameplay footage Posted: 21 Jul 2011 09:01 AM PDT
A Battlefield 3 trailer has leaked online outing multiplayer gameplay footage The first Battlefield 3 trailer offering a detailed look at multiplayer gameplay footage has leaked online ahead of the title’s autumn release.
Totalling more than seven minutes of content the trailer combines video footage of all aspects of the upcoming first person shooter that will duke it out with Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 release when the two games hit stores later this year.
With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 to hit the market on November 8th, the EA and DICE collaboration that is Battlefield 3 is to land a week earlier in an attempt to tempt the gaming industry’s FPS fans away from the Activision franchise.
Which of the two blockbuster games are you most excited about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or Battlefield 3? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Via: CVG This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Nokia makes record £323million loss Posted: 21 Jul 2011 07:40 AM PDT
Nokia sees a 25 per cent drop in handset sales, leading to the Finnish corporation posting a record loss of £323m in the three months to the end of June
Nokia, once the world's largest mobile phone company, has posted a record £323m loss in the three months to the end of June, following a 25 per cent drop in handset sales.
Despite recording a profit of 227m euros last year and receiving a one-off €430m payment from Apple following a legal dispute, the Finnish phone maker has seen a year-on-year decline in revenues, leading to the corporation announcing in April that it will be laying off over 4,000 members of its global workforce.
In a further blow, recent figures by technology research firm Gartner showed Nokia's worldwide market share of mobile devices has dropped to the lowest level since 1997.
"Most importantly, we are making better-than-expected progress toward our strategic goals," the statement read.
There are many differing factors to blame for Nokia’s downfall, but many claim that Symbian, the company’s troubled operating system, has contributed massively. Since launching in 2010, Symbian has failed to match the same levels of success recorded by Android and Apple's iOS mobile operating systems.
As such, Nokia is now pinning all its hopes on its upcoming partnership with Microsoft and the Windows Phone 7 platform.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Amazon Game Download Store UK release in October? Posted: 21 Jul 2011 06:40 AM PDT
Amazon is to launch a UK version of its Games Download Store, allowing users to download PC games straight onto their computers
Reports suggest the online retailer is looking to expand its Games Download Store (GDS) - currently operating solely in the US - with a UK store set to launch in October.
Live in the United States since February 2009, the GDS was reportedly set to launch in the UK in April this year however, it's believed that a series of undisclosed delays have pushed it back into the testing phase. In the same way that Apple iTunes users can download music directly onto their computers, Games Download Store users can do the exact same but with PC games.
Repeated rumours have suggested that Amazon is already in the midst of planning another major launch in October with the mooted Amazon tablet, which will reportedly be running on Google’s Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system.
Would the UK launch of Amazon’s Game Download Store tempt you to pass up buying physical game releases in favour of a digital copy? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Via: TechRadar This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| FIFA 12 head: photo-realistic gaming 'pretty close' Posted: 21 Jul 2011 06:13 AM PDT
Photo-realistic gaming graphics are "pretty close" to consol release, David Rutter, EA Sports' head of developement for FIFA games has revealed
Speaking in the same week that chipset manufacturer AMD suggested next-gen consoles will feature graphics reminiscent of James Cameron’s 3D blockbuster Avatar, Rutter has suggested that photo-realistic gaming - where the characters are presented in photo-like quality - is closer than we might think.
With FIFA 12 heading for release on September 30th, PS3 and Xbox 360 gamers could soon be controlling lifelike characters around a visually realistic pitch. After seeing the screenshots we provide and our promotional material, everyone's like: 'When will we see gameplay?' It is gameplay! We don't have the time to make this stuff up!” Are photo-realistic graphics the pinnacle of console gaming or just a way to remove the element of detachment found in gaming and ruin the entertainment aspect? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Via: CVG This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Windows Phone 7 Mango will not add in-app purchases Posted: 21 Jul 2011 04:36 AM PDT
Microsoft's WP7 Mango update will not support in-app purchases Microsoft’s upcoming overhaul of its Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system will not see in-app purchases enabled, new reports have revealed.
The handy in-app purchasing option that has been added to Apple’s iOS and the Google’s Android mobile platforms in recent months is to be omitted from the next refresh of the Windows Phone 7 OS despite the arrival of more than 500 new features.
“In app commerce is has been on the short list of features we’d like to enable, but unfortunately it did not make the cut for Mango,” Microsoft’s Todd Brix reportedly confirmed in a comment on the Windows Team Blog.
Whilst a precise release date has yet to be given for the Windows Phone 7 Mango update it is believed the OS overhaul will be rolled out in September or October alongside Nokia’s first Windows Phone 7 handsets and a WP7 version of the market leading Samsung Galaxy S II.
What features would you most like to see hit the Windows Phone 7 OS in the Mango update, would in-app purchases be high on that list? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Via: GeekyGadgets This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| New Guitar Hero game in the works reveals Activision CEO Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:04 AM PDT
Activision to relaunch Guitar Hero franchise says developer's CEO Just months after the brand was killed off Activision has announced it is currently working on the next instalment to the Guitar Hero franchise.
Speaking with Forbes Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has revealed that a new Guitar Hero release is currently in the works whilst going into detail about where the developing house failed the music simulation series.
Whilst Guitar Hero might be on a current hiatus Kotick revealed there is still more to come from the music release. “We’re going to go back to the studios and we’re going to use new studios and reinvent Guitar Hero. And so that’s what we’re doing with it now.”
Has Guitar Hero passed its peak or was it killed off in its prime? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Via: GeekyGadgets This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:01 AM PDT
New camera lands with stacks of top-end features. Panasonic has just come over all official with its new Lumix FZ48 snapper. And first impressions suggest this camera could be one of the best we’ve seen so far in 2011.
As well as an ample 24x optical zoom, there’s a 25mm wide-angle Leica lens and Full HD video smarts with Panny’s own Creative Control tech to ensure you get killer clips every time. Chuck in 12.1 megapixels and this looks like a great proposition.
The FZ48 also packs in full manual control, so those who want to break away from using auto modes but don’t fancy carting around a DSLR should find this a decent alternative. There’s even a 3D Photo mode, which pulls togethers 20 consecutive shots when panning from let to right.
The FZ48 is due to hit shelves in August, although Panasonic’s keeping schtum about price. Keep it locked right here for all the pricing info as we get it. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Angry Birds developer Rovio targetting 1 billion fans Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:39 AM PDT
Rovio has declared it wants 1 billion Angry Birds fans before it moves on to new projects Angry Birds developer Rovio has announced it is to continue backing its bird-flinging app sensation as it looks to emulate the success of gaming heroes such as Nintendo’s Mario.
Speaking at the Casual Connect game show in Seattle Rovio head Peter Vesterbacka revealed that the Finnish app developer intends to continue with its globally dominant brand and not look to chase a string of individual successes.
Outing the plans and hopes for the Angry Birds franchise Vesterbacka announced: "We want to be the first entertainment brand with a billion fans. That will take us two or three years to do. Next year, we want to be the leading entertainment brand in China."
Despite becoming arguably the most successful mobile application of all time Vesterbacka believes the Angry Birds brand still has a way to go to reach its full potential. "All of our enterprises have to be insanely profitable and so far they are. The games and toys are very profitable right now. It's not all about monetization now. It's about keeping the fans coming back and building the brand."
Is Angry Birds the best app every made or does its addictive nature soon turn to mind-numbing monotony? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Via: CVG This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Another death at Foxconn factory Posted: 21 Jul 2011 02:11 AM PDT
The working practices of Foxconn, one of Apple's suppliers in China, is about to come under fresh scrutiny following the apparent suicide of one of its employees
There has been yet another death at a factory run by Foxconn, the Chinese manufacturing company used by Apple to make its popular iPhone handsets. The 21-year-old man, a migrant worker, is said to have fallen from the sixth floor of a dormitory at the company’s Shenzhen facility, in Guangdong Province, Southern China.
The news comes almost a year after another Foxconn employee committed suicide by jumping and will once again raise questions around the company's working practices.
Last year Foxconn said it was in the midst of reviewing the amount of overtime its employees could take and increasing their pay. The Chinese corporation also said it was to look into building factories closer to the homes of migrant workers.
However, bosses claim the death could not have been related to work stress as the man had only worked two hours overtime and had been with the company for less than two months.
The response from Apple and other tech companies which uses Foxconn will be telling. Apple was said to be furious about the conditions in the company’s Chinese factories last year and this latest incident will no doubt pave the way for more ire.
Via Reuters This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Wii U getting GameCube titles? Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:15 AM PDT
US exec lets slip plans in interview. Gamecube titles look as if they could be on their way to the forthcoming Wii U. That’s according to Nintendo exec Amber McCollom, who expressly stated that some classic games would be served up on the next-gen console.
Speaking to NintendoGal, McCollom said, “GameCube discs will not be compatible with Wii U, but a number of the games that were playable on GameCube can be downloaded from WiiWare.”
This is great news for potential Wii U owners looking to get the most out of the new hub. The question is, will these old games be able to utilise the Wii U’s hulking controller and its stunning screen?
Is this enough to convince you to stump up for a Wii U? Or does Nintendo need to ensure it focuses on killer new titles to get you on board? Tell us your thoughts over on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Via Eurogamer This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| HP Movie Store lands on TouchPad Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:55 PM PDT
No word on when us Brits will get a slice of the action. HP has finally rolled out its much-mooted Movie Store for the TouchPad. The rental service had been promised for months in the run up to the slate’s release, but only appeared as a pared down basic offering when the TouchPad launched.
Now though, US owners can get to grips with a stack of movies and TV shows. The latter can be snagged for $1.99 rental, while films start at $2.99. Alternatively, there’s an option to buy flicks from $9.95.
The attention now turns to whether a cloud music offering will also be launched for the TouchPad. If so, the tab should be well on its way to being able to compete with the raft of Google Android tablets out there, even if the iPad looks as if it will remain well out of reach.
For more on this and the rest of the day’s gadget news, stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Via Digital Trends This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| White Apple MacBook available only to schools Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:38 PM PDT
Apple's popular white MacBook laptop may have been pulled off the shelves yesterday but it's still available - for SCHOOLS ONLY.
Apple yesterday pulled it's popular white MacBook off the shelves after sales of the device struggled to match those of other popular Apple laptops, such as the MacBook Air. But the white plastic model will still be sold by Apple, although only to ‘educational institutions’.
Sadly, that doesn’t mean teachers and students can use their Apple educational discount to grab the old-school notebook on the cheap. Rather that schools, colleges and universities can hoover them up for use by staff and students.
The machine is set to cost $899 (£555), $100 cheaper than its price when it was available for regular punters. While the specs might not match up to the newer models, the white MacBook remains an iconic Apple device.
For more on Apple’s latest releases and its forthcoming plans for the iPad 3 and iPhone 5, stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Via MacRumors This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:38 PM PDT
Apple's popular white MacBook laptop may have been pulled off the shelves yesterday but it's still available - for SCHOOLS ONLY.
Apple yesterday pulled it's popular white MacBook off the shelves after sales of the device struggled to match those of other popular Apple laptops, such as the MacBook Air. But the white plastic model will still be sold by Apple, although only to ‘educational institutions’.
Sadly, that doesn’t mean teachers and students can use their Apple educational discount to grab the old-school notebook on the cheap. Rather that schools, colleges and universities can hoover them up for use by staff and students.
The machine is set to cost $899 (£555), $100 cheaper than its price when it was available for regular punters. While the specs might not match up to the newer models, the white MacBook remains an iconic Apple device.
For more on Apple’s latest releases and its forthcoming plans for the iPad 3 and iPhone 5, stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Via MacRumors This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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