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We spend some hands-on time with Nintendo's new DSi. Find out about the system's new features and see how the portable compares to the DS Lite! continue »
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The iPhone gets a controller - The GameBone Pro
- Posted Jun 23, 2009 2:00 pm PT
- 208 comments
The iPhone and iPod Touch made a huge splash in the gaming world, but a touch screen and tilt functionality take you only so far. An outfit from Australia called 22moo decided to remedy the matter with an external controller called the GameBone Pro. The company doesn't have a price point yet, but they aim to have the controller out by September this year.
The GameBone Pro comes with a D-pad, four buttons in a cross configuration, and two shoulder buttons. A 2000mAh battery powers the device, and Bluetooth and a 30-pin dock act to connect the controller to the iPhone. A built-in speaker plays back sounds and a mic records audio. An additional 3.5'' jack allows audio to play through headphones.
If one company is making an iPhone controller, there are likely others in the wings. Which brings us to the issue of controller standards. The Wii has its Remote, the PS3 its DualShock. Anybody making a controller for either of those consoles has to at least incorporate the standard button scheme. The iPhone has no such template. Who knows how many different kinds of designs we'll see.
Buttons and a D-pad would be an amazing addition to the iPhone. However, the bulk an external controller adds also poses a concern. Would you stuff a controller into your pocket alongside an iPhone or iPod Touch?
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Transformers Nintendo DS Lite case and stylus from PDP
- Posted Jun 22, 2009 4:29 pm PT
- 62 comments
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has yet to be released, but no one's waiting on the premier of the movie to unveil their products. Depending on who you're rooting for, PDP's come up with a Megatron and Bumblebee themed case and stylus for the Nintendo DS Lite. We got our mits on the Megatron starter kit and the Bumblee stylus.
The $20 Megatron Starter Kit comes with a protective case and matching stylus. The case takes seconds to install, and gives the DS a more comfortable feel if you have larger hands. A sliding compartment on the back holds two games. Megatron's stylus looks fancy, but it's rather uncomfortable. The added plastic at the front end also makes it somewhat harder to see what you're doing on the screen. By constrast, the Bumblebee stylus felt much more usable. The Bumblebee Starter Kit is at stores for $20 as well, and the stylus by itself runs about $11.
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VidZone Hands-On Impressions
- Posted May 29, 2009 3:29 pm PT
- 15 comments
VidZone is a new online music video service for PlayStation 3, and Sony offered us the chance to check it out.
VidZone is an interesting new development in the world of multimedia convergence, as it will allow you to stream music videos for free to your PlayStation 3. The new service is set to launch in United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Australia soon, but we got to play with it ahead of E3, where the release date will be announced.
More Tech Features
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Nintendo DSi Hands-On
We spend some hands-on time with Nintendo's new DSi. Find out about the system's new features and see how the portable compares to the DS Lite!
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OnLive: Inside and Out
OnLive unveils their new console and aims to overthrow the existing gaming status quo.
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Street Fighter IV Arcade Stick Roundup
You need an arcade stick to get the full Street Fighter IV experience at home. We take sticks from Mad Catz and Hori out for some spinning pile-driver and shoryuken fun.
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