Gamers Reveal Next-Gen Console Desires


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Which next-gen machines are gamers itching to get your hands on –  Xbox 720, PlayStation 4 or Nintendo’s Wii U? What about the rumored Apple console? Or even a so-called ‘PC console’ from Valve?

In a recent IGN survey, 62,000 gamers tackled a bunch of questions concerning attitudes to next-gen consoles including Xbox 720 (aka Durango), PlayStation 4 (aka Orbis) and Wi U. The statistics include favored consoles, who is likely to be buying the next generation of machines, and your expectations for technical improvements.

Gamers are more excited about the new consoles from Microsoft and Sony, than Nintendo’s Wii U, with PS4 (aka Orbis) taking the lead. 63% of gamers say they are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ interested in PlayStation 4. 60% feel the same way about Xbox 720 (aka Durango). For Wii U, the only next-gen console to be officially announced, the figure is 40%.

IGN also asked for your views on more speculative console ideas. 34% are interested in a Valve console. 18% are interested in a console from Apple and 10% in a generic unified cloud-based system.

For both PlayStation 4 and Xbox 720, 37% of gamers say they are “very interested” in purchasing the next system, with 23% saying they are “somewhat interested” in the next Xbox against 26% saying the same about PlayStation 4. For Wii U, 20% say they are very interested and another 20% are somewhat interested.

On the other side of the scale, 19% say they have no interested in the next Xbox against 15 percent who say the same about PlayStation 4. 32% are not interested in Wii U.

How much are gamers prepared to pay for next-gen machines? 33% say they will pay between $300-$400 for an Xbox 720. 35% say the same about a PlayStation 4. Only 11% (Xbox 720) and 14% (PS4) say they will pay more than $400.

23% say they’ll pay $250-$300 for Wii U against 13% who’ll pay $300-$400 and 3% who’ll pay more than $400.

People “very interested” in Wii U are slightly younger (21.4 years) than those who feel the same way about PlayStation 4 (22.5 years) and Xbox 720 (22.7 years). As users age, their likelihood of being “very interested” in purchasing the Wii-U declines. The opposite is mostly true of PS4 and Xbox 720. Only 9% of over-50s is interested in buying a Wii U, against 19% for PlayStation 4 and 23% for Xbox 720.

Among the key age-group of 21-34 year-olds, 19% show an interest in Wii U against 39% for both PlayStation 4 and for Xbox 720. For the under-17s, 23% are going for Wii U against 35% for PS4 and 34% for Xbox 720.

What specifically excites you most about the hardware of the future? Well, visuals count pretty high. 73% of people interested in Xbox 720 express a positive desire for better graphics. 41% go for more media connectivity; 38% for streaming digital games; 35% for an innovative controller and 51% for a sleeker design. The numbers for PlayStation 4 are broadly similar (see chart). For Wii U, people are more likely to opt for a new controller (44%) and are less interested in a graphic upgrade (57%).

It’s astonishing how similar loyalty levels are among owners of Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony consoles.

Essentially, two thirds of people who play a current-gen console “very often” are very interested in their favorite machine’s next iteration, no matter what their brand loyalty. 67% of users who own Xbox 360 and play it all the time are very interested in purchasing the Xbox 720. Equally, 67% of users who own PS3 and play it all the time are very interested in the PS4. 68% of Wii users are into Wii U.

But gamers are also willing to look at other machines. 27% of people who play a lot of Xbox 360 are very interested in PS4. And 24% of hardcore PS3 owners are interested in Xbox 720. Around 17% of Xbox 360 and PS3 frequent gamers are hot for Wii U.

Among gamers who own and play multiple consoles, 38% are very interested in purchasing the Xbox 720, 39% in PS4 and 26% in Wii U. 12% are interested in a Valve console and 5% in an Apple dedicated games machine.

But Wii U shows poor statistics with people who play PC games all the time. Only 19% of this group said they are very interested in Wii U against 34% for Xbox 720 and PS4.

Attitudes among lapsed gamers show differing levels of forgiveness for old, unused machines. 7% of users who say they are “not interested” in buying the Xbox 720 said they own an Xbox 360 but haven’t played in six months. The corresponding figure for PlayStation owners is 5%. But 24% of people who are not interested in buying the Wii U own a Wii but haven’t played in six months or more. This may simply be a reflection of Wii’s extraordinary penetration and the nature of the games it produced back in the day.

8% of users who own a Wii but have not played in the last 6 months are “very interested” in purchasing the Wii U. 36% of users who own a Wii but have not played in the last 6 months are “not interested” in buying Nintendo’s next machine.

What do you think about these statistics? Let us know in the comments below.

All data represented here unless otherwise noted is sourced from an online study IGN conducted in April 2012 recruited from our readers.  With a worldwide response of over 62,000 this study is amongst the largest regarding the attitudes towards video games as a mainstream form of consumer entertainment.

You can follow the author of this article, Colin Campbell , on Twitter or at IGN. Thanks to Brian Altano for graphics.


Stylish iPhone apps to get the perfect prom look


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It is the night you waited for all school year, it is time for prom! Whether you have had your dress all year or have not even started shopping yet, we have some iPhone app recommendations to ensure your prom look is the best ever.
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Top Grossing Apps 4 #iPad #206: Dora ABCs Vol 1: Letters & Letter Sounds – http://t.co/tCwFrCzR – by AppToday (App Today)


Sony’s PS3 now lets you pre-buy and pre-download new games


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Unless you have a fast Internet connection, downloading games digitally from the PlayStation Network (PSN) can take forever. Sony is adding a new feature to PSN that’ll let gamers pre-download unreleased titles in advance.

If you’ve ever used Steam‘s pre-purchase and pre-load feature to download titles like Mass Effect 3, you’ll be completely at home. In a nutshell, a new PS3 game such as Sorcery can purchased ahead of its release. You can then and start downloading the game to your console’s hard drive.

Don’t think that means you can play the game early, though. The game will stay locked until the game’s launch day arrives, in which it’ll unlock and you can play it.

The benefit to pre-downloading the game title is that you can space out the download to give your Internet connection enough time to grab the entire file, rather than attempt to download it in one go on the game’s release day. It should lead to fewer frustrated gamers chucking controllers at the walls.

On the other hand, just hitting up GameStop and buying a physical copy would make any downloading moot, but that’s just another disc and plastic box hogging up space in your home. Go green and digital, baby!

So far, the feature seems to be ready to go Europe’s PSN. We imagine that an in-demand feature such as this should make its way to the North American PSN soon.

Via MCV


Microsoft reprises free Xbox back-to-school PC promo


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Computerworld - Microsoft will repeat last year’s back-to-school promotion, kicking off the deal Sunday with an offer of a free Xbox 360 game console to eligible U.S. students who buy a new Windows 7 PC.

Canadian students also qualify for this year’s program, which launches there today.

U.S. high school or college students with proof of status — a student ID card or an email address that ends in .edu — will receive a 4GB Xbox 360 when they purchase a Windows PC for $699 or more. In Canada, the benchmark PC price is $599.

Microsoft will be giving students the $199 Xbox 360, its lowest-priced console, and one that does not come with the Kinect controller.

Unlike last year, when Microsoft’s only retail partner was Best Buy, this year the company has expanded the list of participating retailers to Best Buy and Fry’s Electronics in the U.S., and Best Buy, Future Shop, Staples and The Source in Canada. Online sellers include Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Newegg in the U.S., and Dell in Canada.

Microsoft will also honor the deal at its own retail stores — there are 21, all in the U.S., either open or expected to open this summer — and at its U.S. Microsoft Store website.

The company has apparently left more in the hands of its partners than last year, when Microsoft specified the end date — Sept. 3, 2011 — and the deal’s terms and conditions.

Those details are now up to the participating retailers and e-tailers, Microsoft said in a blog post today. For example, Dell Canada said that its offer expires June 29.

This was the second year running that Microsoft beat Apple to the back-to-school punch. Apple, which has a longer history of offering deals to students, launched its promotion June 16, 2011, nearly a month after Microsoft’s.

Apple’s 2011 program was also the first in years that did not feature a free iPod Touch with the purchase of a new Mac. Instead, the Cupertino, Calif. company handed out $100 iTunes gift cards to students, parents, teachers and staff members.

The cards could be used for purchases at Apple’s digital content markets, including the Mac App Store, the iOS App Store, iBookstore and the iTunes music store.

Depending on when students purchase a Windows PC to get an Xbox, they may be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 8 Pro when the new operating system launches later this year.

Microsoft has not unveiled a Windows 8 upgrade program, but recent rumors have pegged an announcement to the first week of June, when the company also will debut Windows 8 Release Preview, the OS’s final public milestone.

Earlier this week, Windows blogger Paul Thurrott, citing unnamed sources, claimed that Microsoft would charge users $14.99 for the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro if they purchased a Windows 7 PC between the launch of the program and January 2013.

covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at Twitter @gkeizer, on Google+ or subscribe to Gregg’s RSS feed Keizer RSS. His email address is gkeizer@computerworld.com.

See more by Gregg Keizer on Computerworld.com.

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  • Microsoft preps Windows 8 upgrade deal for early June debut, says report
  • Mozilla on new browser brouhaha: Microsoft, Apple different cases
  • Microsoft touts Windows 8′s ability to detect, fix hard disk problems
  • Mozilla accuses Microsoft of anticompetitive behavior with Windows RT
  • Microsoft mute on Nook app’s bundling with Windows 8
  • Slow uptake of Windows 8 preview hints at lack of interest
  • Microsoft slates Windows 8 ‘release preview’ for early June

Continuing coverage: Windows 8

Read more about Windows in Computerworld’s Windows Topic Center.


Bending The Truth: Flexible Displays Are A Technological Red Herring


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Bending The Truth: Flexible Displays Are A Technological Red Herring

Lately, Samsung — and, not so lately, a host of other electronics manufacturers — have been flexing their muscles digital displays in a sci-fi-inspired attempt at shaping the future. Unfortunately, the tech’s a functional gimmick; barring a series of unlikely and illogical “advancements,” we’ll never see anything like this bendable iPhone hit the consumer market.

While mobile mockups with these flexible screens always pack a good bit of pop, they’re complete nonsense every time. Beyond the progressively counterintuitive nature of the idea itself, there are several technical limitations to consider.

There’s a lot more to smartphones and tablets than just a display. Sure, the screen’s an important, visible aspect of any mobile device, but it’s far from the only important component. And in the real world, circuit boards, processors, and batteries don’t bend. Not yet, at least. And not any time soon, either.

But even if such technology actually existed en masse, what possible practical reason would Apple have to include it in future iPhones or iPads? Another brand might try to make waves with a bendable device in some last-ditch effort to poach Cupertino’s hundreds of millions of (largely satisfied) customers, but remember: Apple doesn’t think different just for the sake of different.

And that’s all a bendable display will ever be.

Think about it: Why do people actually want bendable displays, anyways?

You can trace the idea’s origins back many dozens of years, as concept designers and so-called industrial futurists have been chasing down the dream of foldable, flexible electronic “newspapers” — screens that combine dynamic image capabilities with newspaper-like physical attributes. But that’s backwards thinking, especially in this day and age. Newspapers are not an inherently convenient or ergonomic way to share or consume information; they exist because print on paper was (and still is) a fast, cheap, and — most importantly — disposable commodity. They’re a bottom-dollar means to an end, not a lofty target for tech perfection.

So comfy!

Beyond the flawed metaphor, what possible benefit could bendable display-based mobile devices provide? Curved screens? We’ve got those, and they’re nothing special. Foldable portability, then? Well, “foldable” and “flexible” mean very different things, and screens capable of the latter aren’t close to meeting the taxing, invisible-seam standards of the former. If you’re looking forward to something along the lines of a smartphone that “unfolds” into a tablet (and vice versa), consider the dimensional realities: Facing a minimum tablet-mode thickness of around five millimeters (which is probably too thin to be comfortably held considering the iPad 2′s sharpish 8.8 millimeters), you’d be holding a veritable brick once the thing’s folded over a few times for phone mode. I don’t know about you, but a handset more than twice (or thrice!) the thickness of the iPhone 4S isn’t exactly compelling. Plus, if you really look at the landscape, people don’t seem to have an issue toting around the current iPhone, and iPads fit just fine in backpacks, briefcases, totes, and purses. Even a roll-up tablet wouldn’t be appreciably easier to carry around than the flat rectangles we’ve already got.

So what’s left? Durability? Yes, flexible screens are potentially more durable in certain impact scenarios than the screens currently used throughout the industry. Of course, unless flexible screens are also of inherently better image quality and markedly cheaper to produce than traditional alternatives (they’re neither), it won’t matter. The real cons outweigh the theoretical pro. And a flexible screen packed in an otherwise rigid frame would be effectively rigid itself. Corning’s Gorilla Glass already has a pretty good track record in the face of rough use, and it’s inexpensive and ubiquitous. And don’t forget about the multi-billion-dollar protective case market, either.

All things considered, bendable displays are nothing to get excited about, and they represent only one piece in a much larger — and equally unnecessary — bendable puzzle. The purpose they’d serve in the mobile marketplace lacks the combined staying power where want meets need, and they’re little more than a trade show curiosity. There are zero practical large scale benefits, and there’s no twist to this tale. In the context of smartphones and tablets, bendable screens are useless.

And honestly, when you think about it, our iDevices are flexible enough. You can browse the web, play games, write articles, take photos, paint pictures, check email, send IMs, you name it.

The mobile marketplace isn’t a limbo contest.

Although that’s where bendable displays will forever remain.

[Lead image: engadget.com]


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I don’t like when apps do this http://t.co/NanSL81f – by mattystevenson (Matty Stevenson)


HTC and Verizon Wireless Reveal DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE


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BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and NEW ORLEANS, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –  From International CTIA Wireless® 2012, Verizon Wireless and HTC today announced the new and exclusive DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC.  The DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE will be the twenty third 4G LTE-enabled device currently available on the Verizon Wireless network.

The new DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE enhances the customer experience by offering high-quality photo and audio capabilities, combined with the power of 4G LTE speeds.  Running the latest version of HTC Sense™ 4.0, HTC’s branded user experience integrated with Google’s™ mobile operating system, Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, the new DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE brings a sophisticated, pocket-friendly device to America’s fastest 4G LTE network.

DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC features Beats Audio™ which is enabled across the entire experience for a rich and authentic sound whether customers watch a YouTube™ video, play a game, or stream music over 4G LTE.  Beats Audio allows customers to listen to music the way the artist intended with thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs.

The DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE captures life’s special moments with an advanced 8-megapixel camera with quick activation from the home screen so customers never miss that perfect shot.  Additionally, there’s no longer a need to choose between shooting video or taking photos, HTC Video Pic™ allows users to shoot HD video and capture photos at the same time.  With 4G LTE speeds, sharing photos and video via email, uploading to the cloud or posting to social networking sites is a breeze. 

DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE is packed with features to make life easier and customizable.  Customers can personalize and use lock screen shortcuts to quickly access their four favorite apps.  Folders can easily be created on any home screen for additional customization and organization.  A Read Later feature allows people short on time the ability to save browser content like news articles and websites that can be viewed later, even while offline.  The smartphone is also NFC capable so customers can take advantage of Android Beam™ to quickly share Web pages, apps, contacts and YouTube™ videos with friends by simply tapping two compatible phones together.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is available in 230 markets across the Unites States.  In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.  When customers travel outside of 4G LTE coverage areas, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, where available, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. 

Additional features: 

  • 4-inch super LCD qHD display
  • 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus, LED flash, BSI, f/2.2 and 28 mm lens
  • Front-facing camera for video chatting with friends and family
  • 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S4 processor
  • Mobile Hotspot capable to share 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices
  • Support for up to 32 GB microSD™ memory card
  • 1,700 mAh lithium ion removable battery

The new DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com in the coming weeks.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense™, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com. 


Random iphone apps Tweets for the day


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How to #transfer #apps from #iPhone 3 to 4 for free http://t.co/fGab69Ef – by Viral_HQ (ViralHQ)

Great Lakes Golf Course Products giving away 5 Turfgrass Management iPhone apps on Twitter to… http://t.co/4OM4PTdl – by magotx122 (MagotMe)

Cocoa Touch for iPhone OS 3 (Developer Reference): Join the gold rush to developing cool iPhone apps with this c… http://t.co/fQ3AhYxG – by JohnathonRaynor (Johnathon Raynor)

RT @BLOinfluence: androids getting iphone apps #ThatsTheShitIDontLike – by FVCK_SWVG_ (Δ)

RT @BLOinfluence: androids getting iphone apps #ThatsTheShitIDontLike – by BronxBully_ (Cameron)


LastPass Wallet secures your iPad and iPhone information


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LastPass.com, developer of the LastPass family of password-storage products, has released a new free app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. LastPass Wallet is designed to give iOS users a taster of the LastPass feature set by providing a tool for viewing, creating and managing secure notes, one of the service’s lesser known features.

The app provides templates for users to quickly create notes for sensitive personal information often found in the user’s wallet or purse, such as credit card details, passport number and wireless passwords.

On logging into the app for the first time using an existing free or premium LastPass account, you’ll see LastPass Wallet sync with their account and bring over any existing secure notes, which can be edited if required. The app also allows new notes to be created, providing a number of templates for common types of personal information, plus a catch-all “Generic” option for other types of information.

These templates basically steer you towards filling in specific fields. Once complete, the note can be saved or additional media items, notably photos and audio clips, can be attached to it. The note can also be organised into groups, making it easier to spot in an ever-growing list.

The big question, of course, is how secure is all this data? LastPass points out that all your data is always stored encrypted in the cloud — the actual decryption and encryption takes place locally on your computer or device. That means your data is as safe as your master password makes it, which is why we don’t recommend ticking the box to save your logon information when prompted, and setting up a four-digit passcode via the Settings section to ensure you have to provide a pin code when switching back from another app.

Of course, if you have no specific need to use LastPass Wallet, we’d preach against using it for the sake of using it, but if you want a new means of securely storing the contents of your wallet in digital format on your iPad or iPhone, then LastPass Wallet is a good choice, for new as well as existing LastPass users.

LastPast Wallet is a free download for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users. A LastPass account – free or premium – is required to use the service.


Mysteryville 2


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Mysteryville 2 HD: hidden object crime investigation (2,99$ ) by Nevosoft

Available on iPhone, iPod and iPad

Mysteryville 2 is Nevosoft’s sequel to their original puzzle game release in 2011. The story begins with Laura Winner (journalist and physic) returning to the Mysteryville for a vacation. When a town is called Mysteryville it’s no surprise that Laura’s vacation is cut short and she finds herself investigating the disappearance of her missing friend. The game is primarily a hidden object game. Different levels require players to find either a specific list of items, spot the difference, match pairs items etc. However, there are also several mini-games that involve tasks such as unscrambling letters to find hidden messages or rearranging images. Ultimately, these puzzles reveal clues to help Laura to unravel the mystery of her missing friend and the strange goings on in town.



Overall this game has some great points. It reinvents the hidden puzzle game and the different mini games helps to keep it interesting. There are 22 levels to complete and as you finish a level various trophies are unlocked. Game progress can be shared in a number of ways including Facebook and Twitter. The storyline is pretty good but personally I would have liked some voice actors instead of reading the lines to add a little something to the story. The graphics are very detailed…in fact it made some of the objects difficult to find (however there are hints available if you’re not in the mood for too great of a challenge). The controls are ok. You just tap the screen to select an object. Occasionally, I found I was missing my target and suffered a “random tapping penalty” as a result. Scrolling across the screen also registered as a mistaken tap but fortunately this didn’t result in a penalty. The music is good but I wished there was a bit more variety as it started to wear on me as I moved onto the higher levels. Finally there is no tutorial or instructions. In fact, when you start on chapter one it says “help find Lorna’s glasses” but you are actually supposed to find the items that match the outline on the left hand side of the screen.

There is a free “lite” version of this game that I would definitely recommend trying before you buy.

 

From Nevosoft:

 

Fun Yes.
Sound & Graphics Graphics are good, music is ok.
Controls Easy to use…just tap the screen
Replay Value With 22 levels it’s bound to keep you busy.
Overall Not bad but try the free version first.
App Name: Mysteryville 2 HD: hidden object crime investigation (iTunes)
Version: 1.1
Price as of this writing: 2,99$ . :)
iTunes category: Games
Available on:  iPhone, iPod and iPad
Developer: Nevosoft
Device & iOS used for review: iPod touch, iOS 5.1

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The Sims FreePlay comes with a price


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The Sims FreePlay is about as fun and free as you allow it to be, even if those two objectives seem to work opposite each other. Thankfully, despite impediments to both user enjoyment and the cost of the experience, EA has done a stellar job bringing the Sims environment to the mobile platform.
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