Digital Tech News - Digital Technology & Consumer Electronics

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - The Videogame

Electronic Arts' EA Play Label and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment are releasing the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince videogame for gamers who want to experience more of the magic and adventure from the new movie based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth book in the Harry Potter series.

The Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game, developed by EA Bright Light, is available for Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 game consoles ($49.99), hand-held Sony PSP and Nintendo DS ($39.99) as well as Windows PC, Mac, and mobile devices.

EA SPORTS' Fight Night Round 4 Boxing Videogame features Tyson and Ali

Two of the top boxers in history are featured on EA SPORTS' new Fight Night Round 4 boxing videogame. I'm of course talking about “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali and “Iron” Mike Tyson, who will fight it out on PLAYSTATION 3 ($59.99), and Xbox 360 ($59.99) video game consoles. 

Sony's PS3 Motion Control Gaming Demo Video

Let's give Nintendo credit for starting the whole wireless "motion gaming" experience with the Wii and Wii MotionPlus, but Microsoft and Sony have come on strong with their own innovative take on motion gaming at E3 2009. Microsoft took the "controller-free" route with its Project Natal, while Sony has introduced its hand-held motion controller for PS3 which you can see in the demo video below. All of these are taking video game play to the next level, so get ready for the ride.

Nintendo's E3 Expo 2009 Announcements for Wii, DS and DSi

It's hard to top Microsoft's Project natal controller-free gaming announcement at the E3 Expo, but Nintendo gave it a shot at its E3 media briefing. Along with the latest Nintendo Wii, DS and DSi products, Nintendo is introducing "social entertainment" to its gaming experience.

Sony PSPgo (PSP-N1000) Release Date and Pricing Officially Announced

Sony has officially announced that the new ultra-portable PSPgo - PSP-N1000 handheld entertainment system will be released worldwide this Fall.  To be exact, October 1, 2009 in North America and Europe where PSP go will cost $249, and 249 euros respectively. On November 1, 2009, Japan will see the PSPgo released for 26,800 yen.

The new PSPgo  is smaller and lighter than now that it sports a sliding display panel, and it replaces the UMD drive of previous PSPs with 16GB of flash memory for downloading digital content from the PlayStation Network and game titles from the PlayStation Store via Wi-fi. You can also access and download entertainment content via a PC using Sony's bundled Media Go software, and manage PSP games, videos, photos, and music on the PC.

Logitech Flight System G940 Force-Feedback Flight Simulation Controller

Logitech brought its new Flight System G940 force-feedback flight simulation controller to E3 2009, featuring design and controls that were inspired by military and commercial planes and helicopters. The three-component Logitech Flight System G940, scheduled to be released in September for $299.99, includes a force feedback joystick, dual throttle, and rudder pedals. More than 250 programmable button options are integrated into the Hands On Throttle-and-Stick design, making for an immersive gaming experience. Set-up is said to be easy as pie. Connect the throttle and the pedals to the joystick cable, and plug the USB connector into your computer and you're good to go.  The Flight System G940 is compatible with PC flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator X, IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946 and Lock On: Modern Air Combat X-Plane 9.

Alienware M17x 17-inch Gaming Notebook Boasts Dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M GPUs with NVIDIA SLI Technology

Aimed at hard-core gamers, the new Alienware M17x from Dell is a powerful 17-inch gaming notebook that sports an anodized aluminum casing, and as usual, a unique Alienware chassis design. The M17x is described as “All Powerful” by the company, and the specs on this system back that up with up to Dual 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M GPUs with SLI technology. Pricing starts at $1799.

Alienware M17x 17-inch Gaming Notebook features and options:

• Configurable with Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-core overclockable Mobile Processor
• Up to 8GB DDR3 1333MHz Memory
• 1TB 7200RPM or 512GB of Solid State Storage Capacity (Raid 0)
• Optional Beyond HD resolution with a WUXGA 1200p (1920 x 1200) Edge-to-Edge LCD design
• Internal Wireless a/g/draft-n with MIMO (2x2) Technology
• Exclusive Alienware Command Center Software Solution
• Exclusive designed AlienFX Illuminated Keyboard
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G1 GPU with HybridPower technology
• Microsoft Windows Vista (64 bit)

Microsoft Introduces Project Natal Controller-free Gaming for Xbox 360 at 2009 E3 Expo - Demo Video

The Nintendo Wii has been the king of the hill in wireless gaming, but that's about to change.  Steven Spielberg joined Microsoft in introducing "Project Natal" and controller-free gaming for Xbox 360. That's right, no controller required because Project Natal (codename) can track your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions and a shift of emotion in your voice. Watch the demo video below, you have to see it to believe it.  Notice the Project Natal device, which has a sensor that combines an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software. The sensor will actually recognize you just by looking at your face, and it apparently understands what you're saying. Wii gamers will wonder why they are still using these things.

"The next step in interactive entertainment is to make the controller disappear," said Steven Spielberg, visionary director and producer. "With 'Project Natal,' we'll see games that bring everyone together through technology that actually recognizes us."

Jay-Z and Eminem Get With DJ Hero Gaming Platform and Turntable Controller

One of Activision's most anticipated games of 2009 is no doubt DJ Hero, a new game that combines DJ culture and hip-hop, electronic, R&B and soul music. DJ Hero will get some help in the hype department form popular artists Jay-Z and Eminem, who will contribute some of their popular songs to DJ Hero. They'll also collaborate on a special branded edition of the game that will include an advanced version of the game's turntable controller (pictured here), which is made up of a metal traveling case that transforms into a performance-ready DJ stand. Two exclusive CD compilations featuring Jay-Z and Eminem's greatest hits and new mixes will add to the fun. DJ Hero with the Turntable will be priced at $119.99 when it hits retail on Oct 27, 2009. Let's hear it straight from them:

"A DJ has the ability to use music to control people's emotions and is responsible for the entire vibe of a room, a club or a party," said Jay-Z. "DJ Hero is the first video game that allows everyone to enjoy the unique experience of creating that environment."

"I came up doing freestyle battles on local stages with other MCs and DJs," said Eminem. "DJ'ing is an essential part of hip-hop and DJ Hero will give people all over the chance to experience the music from the other side of the turntables."

Sony PSP Go Game Device Outed in Video and Photos

Looking a little like Sony's Mylo device (without the QWERTY keyboard) here we have a sneak peek at the new Sony PSP Go gaming device ahead of the company's official announcement at E3 2009 this week. Here's what we know about the Sony PSP Go so far via Engadget, who have also posted a promo video for the device.

EA SPORTS Active brings Personal Fitness Trainer to Nintendo Wii

To help you get in shape for the summer, Electronic Arts' EA SPORTS label has released EA SPORTS Active for the Nintendo Wii, a virtual fitness product that offers personalized, customizable workouts to get your heart pumping. You get over 25 different activities and exercises that target the upper and lower body, including preset workouts that were designed by fitness experts. A bit like having a personal trainer that will help you reach your fitness goals. 

Priced a $59.99, EA SPORTS Active includes software, a specially-designed leg strap that holds the Wii’s Nunchuk controller to track lower body movements, as well as a resistance band to increase the intensity to upper body exercises. Two players can play at one time, and the product is also compatible with the Wii Balance Board.

Catch the video below:

JONAS Brothers Video Game for Nintendo DS from Disney Interactive Studios

The millions of tweens who go ga-ga over the Jonas Brothers will be able to get closer to the band this Fall with a new game from Disney Interactive Studios simply called JONAS. Developed by Altron for the Nintendo DS, the JONAS Brothers videogame allows players to take on the role of Nick, Joe and Kevin Lucas in  adventures from the Disney Channel comedy series “JONAS.”

Sony Ericsson Launches Yari Phone featuring Gesture Gaming

Sony Ericsson's new Yari phone focuses on mobile gaming with gesture gaming technology that lets you twist, tilt, and turn the device as you play. In between phone calls, you can play a variety of gesture games, as well as pre loaded motion and standard games which can also be downlaoded from SE's PlayNow arena. You can also snap photos with Yari's 5.0 mega pixel camera and listen to music with its dedicated player. Sony Ericsson explains it this way:

“Yari is the industry’s first mobile phone with gesture gaming outside of the Japanese market,” said Catherine Cherry, Market Business Manager at Sony Ericsson.  “It’s time to move like you’ve never moved on a mobile phone before! With Gesture gaming you move your body to play instead of pressing buttons on the phone, giving you a fun experience that even helps you keep fit."

Activision's Most Anticipated Games of the Year Coming to E3 Expo 2009

Activision Publishing, Inc. will hit the 2009 E3 Expo this week with a full slate of new video game titles, including Infinity Ward’s highly anticipated sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, the new DJ Hero game, the rock-based Guitar Hero 5, Bizarre Creations’ Blur racing game, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen videogame, and the Tony Hawk: RIDE skateboarding game and motion sensing skateboard controller that was recently announced.

“At this year’s E3, we will debut the largest and strongest lineup in our company’s history,” said Mike Griffith, President and CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc. “Our innovative slate features games based on some of the industry’s largest franchises, as well as exciting new offerings in the music, racing and action-sports genres that are poised to redefine the interactive entertainment experience. We are also very excited to showcase two new intellectual properties Singularity™PROTOTYPE™ which are already garnering a tremendous amount of interest and excitement.”

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Video Game

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian for Wii, Nintendo DS, Windows PC and the Xbox 360, developed by Amaze Entertainment, Pipeworks and Fizz Factor, is a new game that features the same wacky and historical characters found in the hit Twentieth Century Fox movie. In the game, players assume the role of actor Ben Stiller's character Larry Daley who "must rescue Jedediah and his other friends from Akhmenrah's brother who captured them while stealing a powerful Magic Tablet that can raise the Army of Horus to take over the world."

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian videogame is in stores now priced at $39.99 for Wii and Xbox 360, $29.99 on Nintendo DS and $19.99 on Windows PC. You can watch the game trailer at: www.NightattheMuseumGame.com.