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WiiWare
2007-06-29 18:11:00
Nintendo's official press announcement regarding, its answer to Xbox Live, WiiWare! NINTENDO'S WIIWARE PAVES THE WAY FOR FRESH GAMES, COOL CONSUMER EXPERIENCESNintendo Sets a New Paradigm: One Game Can Still Make a DifferenceSANTA MONICA, Calif., June 27, 2007 ? The search for the next ingeniously ground-breaking video game has begun. At a private developers conference this week, Nintendo announced the introduction of WiiWare?, a game-creation service that will allow developers large and small to create new downloadable video game content for sale by Nintendo through the Wii Shop Channel of the hot Wii? home video game system. WiiWare paves the way for smaller, more creative games to make their way to the public at lower prices, without any inventory risk to developers. The first WiiWare content will launch in early 2008."Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace to see if we can find the next smash...

Obituary notice
2007-06-28 18:03:00
This is a transcript of my mother's obituary notice, which I wrote, as it appears in today's edition of Express & Echo newspaper:Hood, Margaret Neé WoodlandOn Friday June 8th 2007 our leading lady, wife, mum and best friend died aged 65 at the RD&E Hospital, Wonford.Loving wife to Robin, devoted mum to John, beloved sister to Sidney, Norman, Brenda and Allan, cherished sister-in-law to Kathleen, Marion, Alan and Julian, treasured Auntie to Alison, Andrew, Claire, Hazel and Hayley, greatly loved daughter-in-law to Cecil.Special thanks to all the nursing and care staff at Mardon Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre, Mardon House, Wonford and Lucerne House Care Centre, Alphington.The funeral service is to be held at Alphington Parish Church on Monday 9TH July at 1:00pm, followed by a private cremation service.Flowers for Margaret and/or donations to Lucerne House Fund Raising, which enhances the quality of life, for the residents of Lucerne House, and provides access to the community for ...
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That's it man, game over man, game over!
2007-06-26 13:52:00
Avid gamers should read A gamer's look at Parallels 3 and its ability to play games for Windows when compared to Boot Camp's native OS support.The conclusion is unsurprising given the inherent limitations of virtualization.
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That's it man, game over man, game over!
2007-06-26 13:52:00
Avid gamers should read A gamer's look at Parallels 3 and its ability to play games for Windows when compared to Boot Camp's native OS support.The conclusion is unsurprising given the inherent limitations of virtualization.
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Dirty Pop
2007-06-24 22:26:00
Tonight I noticed that the widely reported "speaker popping" issue, affecting Mac OS X 10.4.10, has blighted my Intel-based iMac too! Lets hope Apple quickly issues a patch!
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Windows Experience
2007-06-22 16:14:00
After installing Mac OS X 10.4.10 Combo Update (Intel), repairing permissions both before and after applying the update. I rebooted into Window s Vista.Last night I noticed my Windows Update icon had appeared on my taskbar. I double-clicked to see what updates were available, and it was an update for the Windows Live Messenger 8.5 beta.The update was designed specifically to test Windows Live Messenger updates pushed through the Microsoft Update engine - which you can use within Windows Vista's Windows Update client off the Start Menu. Microsoft is putting great efforts to push updates through Windows Update and Microsoft Update that add to the Windows user experience.If I'm not mistaken, I believe Windows Live Mail takes advantage of having updates rolled out through Microsoft Update as well. The update to Windows Live Messenger 8.5 offers no new functionality or updates to the application itself as it was designed simply to test the functionality of rolling out an update through ...
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Das Boot
2007-06-20 21:00:00
Have other Mac Users noticed any system sluggishness when booting back into Mac OS X 10.4 via Boot Camp? It takes repeated restarts to improve system responsiveness! This will doubtlessly be addressed in the final retail release (as part of Mac OS X 10.5).Personally speaking, I prefer Boot Camp, to any existing third-party virtualization tools such as Parallels Desktop, despite lacking the option to run Windows Vista concurrently with Mac OS X! If SWsoft would like me to appraise Parallels Desktop, and post a review, please contact me.
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Games for Windows
2007-06-20 20:12:00
Having now settled into Window s Vista (using Boot Camp 1.3) sans WOW, I'm forewarned of Aero's influence on Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard's translucent menubar (Apple's worst menubar decision since Mac OS X Public Beta)!However, for the time being, I'm much more interested in Microsoft's Games for Windows marketing strategy and Windows Vista native support for Xbox 360 controller for Windows!I've pre-ordered Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (PC) along with an Xbox 360 Crossfire - Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows and Xbox 360 wireless controller.Reviews to follow.
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Wii Stock
2007-06-14 11:28:00
Nintendo fans rejoice! Wii (includes Wii Sports) are back in stock at Amazon.co.uk! Has the drought ended in time for Wimbledon?Don't forget to pre-order Resident Evil 4 (Wii), reviews suggest that this entry, in Capcom's lauded franchise, is greatly enhanced by game engine retooling. The latest issue of games? magazine, issue 58, features an excellent article - The Surviving Horror. This looks back at the roots of Resident Evil, its profound influence, and how next generation console technology may shape the future of the franchise. Make sure you own a Wii and a PS3 or Xbox 360!
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Free DivX Pro limited offer
2007-06-08 11:18:00
DivX Pro is available gratis, for a limited time, on both Mac and Windows. I wouldn't go without this codec and nor should you!
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10 turns 5
2007-06-07 22:12:00
Mac OS X turns 5 today and 10.5 may only be a few short months away! Read An Aqua Anniversary, which I wrote this time last year!In another 5 years we'll be migrating to another Apple OS if the Cupertino developers do not deviate from Steve Jobs' road map.
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No Spring Leopard, blame iPhone
2007-06-07 22:12:00
Unsurprisingly Apple Inc has announced that Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard will not ship until October!Apple StatementiPhone has already passed several of its required certification tests and is on schedule to ship in late June as planned. We can?t wait until customers get their hands (and fingers) on it and experience what a revolutionary and magical product it is. However, iPhone contains the most sophisticated software ever shipped on a mobile device, and finishing it on time has not come without a price ? we had to borrow some key software engineering and QA resources from our Mac OS X team, and as a result we will not be able to release Leopard at our Worldwide Developers Conference in early June as planned. While Leopard's features will be complete by then, we cannot deliver the quality release that we and our customers expect from us. We now plan to show our developers a near final version of Leopard at the conference, give them a beta copy to take home so they can do their final tes...
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Predictions for WWDC '07
2007-06-07 22:09:00
This June the center of the Mac universe will be at Moscone West in downtown San Francisco as developers and IT professionals from around the globe come together for the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).Technically-speaking WWDC 2007 should lack the glamour of Macworld! But, this is Apple we're talking about, and everything Apple does, under the stewardship of CEO Steve Jobs, is followed with great interest by developers, consumers, and the public at large!Here are my predictions for next week:*New iMacs and iPods (maybe delayed until Apple Expo Paris)*iLife 07*iWork 07*iLife and iWork integrated into Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard*Boot Camp no longer requires reboot in Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard*Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac release date announced*Blu-Ray build-to-order (BTO) option available from Apple Store*.Mac updated with Google co-branding and sans subscriptionLots of cool new applications and updates from third-party developers.
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Wii Widens Lead
2007-06-06 15:52:00
Bloomberg is reporting that Nintendo's Wii is outselling Sony's PS3 at a ratio of 5:1, undermining Sony's ability to recoup investments in the machine.
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Virtual Console Century
2007-06-04 16:02:00
The following Nintendo press release maybe of interest to readers:REDMOND, Wash., June 1, 2007 ? Nintendo is giving video game fans a way to access their favorite classic games, all without leaving the comfort of their homes. And gamers have responded en masse as the library of downloadable game classics continues to grow. The upcoming addition of Zelda II? ? The Adventure of Link® on June 4 marks the 100th classic game available on the Wii Shop Channel. And since going online Nov. 19, owners of Nintendo?s hot Wii? video game system have downloaded more than 4.7 million classic games from Wii?s Virt ual Cons ole , a rate of more than 1,000 games every hour since launch. The top five classic game downloads globally to date, and their original system are:1) Super Mario Bros.® (NES®)2) Super Mario 64® (N64®)3) Mario Kart 64? (N64®)4) Super Mario World® (SNES®)5) The Legend of Zelda® (NES®)Wii lets players visit the Wii Shop Channel to redeem Wii Points? to download classic video games fro...

The Ultimate View
2007-06-01 19:21:00
The past few days I've been using Windows Vista Ultimate , installed on an Intel-based Mac! Installation was a breeze, thanks to Boot Camp 1.2 and built-in Apple Software Update (available directly from the Start menu).Overall I'm quite impressed with Vista's performance, which is, ironically, more responsive than Mac OS X 10.4, despite a lack of compatible drivers. Microsoft should be lauded for making improvements, especially with Windows Media Center, despite their controversial and confusing product strategy.Aero Glass applies an extra layer of lip gloss to Windows XP and renders certain text better than Aqua and vice versa. Avid video gamers, starved of Mac ports, are spoilt for choice. Roll on Halo 3.
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Number Six
2007-05-30 12:26:00
Tired of waiting for an R2 DVD release of My So-Called Life (1994), in 2002 I purchased a Toshiba SD220 Multi-region DVD Player, and cannot recommend its successor highly enough for anyone tempted to dip a toe into the expansive R1 market. MSCL was never released outside the US and, following the withdrawal of the 5-disc box set, is listed as £250 on eBay. Yesterday, I received Battlestar Galactica (2003 mini-series). I opted for the R1 DVD release for both technical and content reasons. The disc is authored to DVD18 specification (double-sided, dual-layer, 18GB) and 480p encoding. The advantage of the increased capacity (against the R2 DVD9) is a higher bit rate for both the feature and bonus material - detail is everything. The mini-series has far exceeded my expectations (admittedly very low). The Cylons are a complex enemy. Prior to the bombardment and subjugation of Caprica, Number Six (Tricia Helfer), cursed with duality, chillingly breaks the neck of a baby and shows tearfu...

Party of Five
2007-05-30 12:25:00
Currently watching Party of Five season one. Its signature familial dramas resonate more pointedly than they did a decade ago! Aside from the supernatural sibling synergy and canny casting. Seeing Lost's Matthew Fox, with long hair, requires adjustment. Here's the cover of the new Girls Aloud album Chemisty. Now tell me that Cheryl Tweedy doesn't look like Neve Campbell?The second single, Biology, is an ambitious melding of backbeat meets Motown and I'm loving it!The new Pace box arrived this afternoon (well within 24 hours) and eschews the 'bulk' of its predecessors in favor of Apple-influenced design couture. It sports USB 2.0, but I'll go into further detail at the weekend.

Silver Shamrock
2007-05-30 12:25:00
Happy Hallowe'en. Whatever you're doing to mark the occasion (or nothing at all) have fun! This evening I'll be watching seminal horror movies, getting down with ghouls n' ghosts, and playing Castlevania.In keeping with the season, here's a photo of the bewitching Love Hewitt (I Know What You Did Last Summer, 1997). Alongside fellow Party of Five alumni Neve Campbell, Love capitalized on the slasher movie renaissance of the mid to late '90s.
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Hidden Hawaii
2007-05-30 12:24:00
What a most splendid haunted house theme park ride Lost is! The signature scene, something screaming in the jungle, was on a emotional par with the T-Rex attack from JP - nerve shattering... The 'live' jet engine on the beach... The derelict cockpit - where were the Raptors and Dilophosaurus? And isn't there an aura of Spielberg meets Chris Carter about it all?After reading that Channel 4 has cut the UK episodes (intense scenes et al) and the cynical R2 two-part box set release (£27.99 each) due to a lucrative deal with Disney's Buena Vista. I've already ordered the R1 complete box set from CD-WOW @ £31.99 (no import duties). Hopefully to be savored post real life trauma or in the very midst of next month! If you're interested here are the delicious details:*7 Discs*Never-before-seen, extended uncut version of the original pilot*Exclusive, in-depth behind-the-scenes looks at the making of the show*Backstage with Drive Shaft all-access pass behind the music*The art of Matthew F...
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Mean Machines
2007-05-29 22:30:00
With Wii in short supply, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the titans of technology, are alluring premium-priced propositions!Undecided on which next generation console to buy (if any)? CNET's Veronica Belmont (no relation of Simon Belmont from Castlevania) has produced a PlayStation 3 Vs Xbox 360 comparison video test that might assist in your purchasing decision.Veronica makes many concise points, and Microsoft might consider that Xbox 360 Elite still falls short in terms of built-in Wi-Fi support. An Xbox 360 Wireless Bridge, at additional cost, is inexcusable at the Xbox 360 Elite's price point, and a missed opportunity! Major Nelson, what say you?
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PlayStation Shop
2007-05-29 18:22:00
In anticipation of the North American release of the PS3, I've launched a dedicated shop for all things PlayStat ion!PlayStation Shop UKPlayStation Shop USABuy hardware, software and accessories under one roof and be assured of excellent order fulfilment (provided by Amazon).Christmas is less than six weeks away! Happy holiday shopping and please bookmark.
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Star Fox
2007-05-29 18:22:00
I'm back from Essex! A Halloween-themed visit mixed-in with some PlayStation quality time!Killzone and FIFA '06 deliver the goods including sharp artificial intelligence (AI). Now if only I'd tried scoring serviceable goals as opposed to performing 'fancy footwork' from way outside the goal mouth!My Estuary English still needs work - an early New Year's resolution! However, Received Pronunciation (RP) is an entirely different matter!Mozilla's Firefox 2.0 is now available in your favourite OS flavour! Were you one of the lucky FF users who got to play with the official release a few hours before its debut last Tuesday?
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The Cell
2007-05-29 18:22:00
Much has been made of the Sony, IBM and Toshiba chip collaboration. Cell . Will it facilitate a paradigm shift, thereby consigning Moore's Law to a footnote in history? Or is it merely a marketing myth unable to deliver on its initial promise - think Sony's Emotion Engine? PlayStation 3 coupled with PSP will reaffirm Sony's dominance in the handheld and home console markets to the detriment of both Nintendo and relative newcomer Microsoft. However, what about Mac OS X 10.4 running on the Cell chip? Now that's really worth getting excited about! Further launch delays not withstanding, Amazon UK has announced that the PSP will now ship at the end of April. No details regarding package contents. In the wake of Trek's cancellation the brilliant Battlestar Galactica has been renewed. Can't wait for the remake of The Gun on Ice Planet Zero Part I & II and, no, I'm not joking!

Welcome Chang3
2007-05-29 18:22:00
Sony's official launch of PS3 may witness a more far reaching alliance between the embattled electronics company and Apple Computer! The PS3 is alleged to include an iPod interface port and iTunes in the GUI. The PlayStation and iPod brands command lucrative market and mind share. Combined they would be an unstoppable force. Sony is also proposing exciting news regarding the PSP too.My imported The OC S1 set has arrived from Australia. The R4 release cost £19.99 compared to £59.99 for R2. The next few nights are going to be an Orange Fest!
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A Design For Life
2007-05-29 18:22:00
Of all the next generation games consoles launched at E3. PlayStation 3 is a paragon of form and function. From the smooth eye candy curves to Mata font (used in the Spider-Man movie franchise), the new machine is a sociological statement that underscores Sony's dominance of the console market.Earlier today I attended The Grand Opening of the Alphinbrook Unit at Lucerne House. The event was presided over by corporate dignitaries and the Mayor of Exeter. The media arrived, late in the day, so Dad and I had no opportunity to make their acquaintance! "Hi, I'm John. I used to work at Reuters and was recently approached by Bloomberg. However, due to personal reasons..."
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The would be King of Portables
2007-05-29 18:22:00
While Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger customers patiently wait for the release of 10.4.2. Lets talk PSP, or more specifically UMD!Against predictions the diminutive UMD format is proving popular in the USA. Movie buyers are not resistant to another format and Buena Vista is preparing to press discs for the European market. The Disney company's press pack heralds Sony's proprietary format as the most significant since DVD (they would say that). Indeed, Pirates of the Caribbean and Kill Bill Vol. 1 contain value-added bonus features.When there should be a legal DVD-to-Memory Stick Duo workflow, from a consumers point of view, it's nonsensical to purchase a movie (again) on UMD. The PSP is not a primary means of viewing content, nor should it be and UMD encoded movies do not scale well (at present). Granted, there is a valid market in offering episodic TV series (30 to 45 mins per episode). Cult cartoons Spider-Man and He-Man are guaranteed an audience (myself included).This is the first time t...
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Fahrenheit 451
2007-05-29 18:22:00
Why should anyone buy Toast 7 Titanium if they're already using iLife '05 and/or Toast 6? A simple answer is problematical. However, after putting Roxio's latest iteration through its paces, I can't imagine not seeing Toast 7 taking pride of place in the Dock!Firstly, Toast now incorporates the DVD compression features showcased in Popcorn (presumably defunct). Copy and compress a 9GB dual-layer DVD to a standard 4.7GB recordable DVD disc. Avoid artefacts by extracting the movie, language and audio format of your choice only.A DivX Pro codec license is available out-of-the-box and interpolates with iMovie HD and Final Cut HD. The DivX format is reaching critical mass and DivX HD DVD players are all the rage. On the strength of this new feature alone, I'll be purchasing a DivX Certified DVD player and will post my experiences.Toast 7 Titanium?s video conversion doesn?t end with DivX, either. You can convert videos to versions suitable for playback on 3GPP-equipped cell phones an...
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Eat Apple Pie
2007-05-29 18:22:00
I'm currently working on a PlayStation-themed post. However, anyone who has been following the Apple Computer vs Apple Corps case, heard at the High Court, may wish to read the full version of the final decision.Apple Corps is appealing the decision as is their privilege. But, it is very doubtful that Mr Justice Mann's ruling will be overturned! My advice would be to complete the remastering of the Beatles back catalogue and release the material on iTunes.

That's hot
2007-05-29 18:22:00
Toy retailer Toys "R" Us has unveiled its coveted "hot toy" list for the upcoming holiday season, and this year it includes a video game console for the first time - Nintendo's Wii."The PlayStation 3 is really geared to a savvy gaming enthusiast," said Kathleen Waugh, a spokeswoman for Toys "R" Us, of the decision to add the Wii to the list. "The Wii system appeals to young kids as well as adults."The following is Toys "R" Us' "Fabulous 15" list of hot new toys for the 2006 holiday season:* Blue Man Group Percussion Tubes from ToyQuest,* Designer's World from Tiger Games,* Dora's Talking Cash Register from Fisher-Price,* ESPN Fast Action Football from Fisher-Price,* Kid-Tough Digital Camera from Fisher-Price,* Laugh & Learn Baby Grand Piano from Fisher-Price,* Mindstorms NXT from Lego,* My Scene My Bling Bling Styling Head from Mattel,* Pink Nitro Notebook from VTech,* Power Rangers Deluxe Manticore Megazord from Bandai,* Speed Stacks StackPack from Play Along,* Sound City R...
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