The Guitar Hero franchise really is one of the hottest game franchises right now.

And proof of this lies in Guitar Hero: On Tour, the game’s first trip to the Nintendo DS portable. On Tour has met with really mixed review but its sales prove that it is still a smash hit. In its first week on sale, the game sold over 300,000 copies, ostensibly establishing an Activision sales record, and outperforming all other DS game launches that came from the company by a whopping eight-fold. This gives it the preeminent distinction of being in the top five most successful game launches in Activision’s history.

The most surprising thing about this record though is that compared to other DS titles, Guitar Hero: On Tour is the most expensive DS title on the market at $50.

From designer Shiu Yuk Yuen, comes this umbrella design that will really “shout green”. 

It’s really an umbrella skeleton that allows you to stick whatever is needed to give you the shade or shield you want.  So if it’s the sun, a regular newspaper will do.  If it’s the rain, ah, a plastic grocery back will do the trick.  No, this is definitely NOT typhoon grade nor typhoon resistant.  Maybe future models will be as strong to shield you from heavier elements.

Easy assembly as you will notice that you’d just need to stick the center through and clip the four corners to hold.  It is not as fashionable as one would like it to be, but hey, I’m sure you’d get curious smiles as people notice your attempt… your mini-attempt to save the planet!  A healthy planet starts from small efforts to save it!

One thing that I love about the Nintendo DS are the remakes that the company introduces every year. This is a great opportunity to relive game classics with the added bonus of zippier graphics.

If there’s one remake that I am excited about, it is the planned release of Chrono Trigger for the holiday season this year. Chrono Trigger is one of the best RPGs ever made and was originally released for the Super NES system. I never got to play this game when it first came out simply because the cart for Chrono Trigger was quite expensive for a boy who had to make do with a measly allowance. This is a great opportunity to get into the wonderful Chrono Trigger Universe using one of the best hand-held consoles ever made.

A bit of letdown though is the news that the graphics will not be revamped, not like the other remakes Nintendo has released over the years. Despite overlooking the graphics, the game will still be retooled to take advantage of the DS’ dual screen and touch screen functionality. There will also be a wireless play mode as well as the inclusion of a new dungeon.

The MP3 market can be a funny one – with (at times) there seemingly nothing to buy barring an iPod.  However, I’ve never gone down that route due to Apple locking you in to their iTunes software (along with ridiculous use of second character capitalisation).  What I did buy was a few Creative products.  They haven’t gone wrong on me yet.  That’s why I’d like to point you in the direction of the new Creative Zen.

So why is it good then?  Well, let’s look at the outside first of all.  With a great little form factor, it is sure to get those who’d only buy an iPod coming over to investigate your new purchase.  The dimensions are as follows: 55 x 83 x 12mm that means you’ll barely even notice it in your pocket.  Worry not about the screen though, it is a brilliant 2.5-inch screen in 16.7 million colours.  Whatever content you’re viewing, it is sure to look good.

For storage, you won’t be disappointed.  There’s literally a Creative Zen to fit every budget, as it is available in the following sizes: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB or a massive 32GB (I’m not even sure I have that much music!).  There’s also a cool SD/SDHC expansion slot so you shouldn’t ever have a problem with storing your music, pictures and videos.

This brings me nicely on to the actual types of files that are supported by this nifty little player.  Well, there’s support for MP3 and AAC so that you can play any music you have ripped from your home audio collection.  Then on top of that there’s WMA support too.  To make it complete musically there’s also support for WAVE and Audible formats.  So you shouldn’t ever have a problem getting your favourite smash hits to play, or your podcasts for that matter.

Video playback looks excellent on the screen – you can really tell that a lot of thought has gone into the size and the contrast/brightness is superb.  You shouldn’t be getting any eye strain from this.  In terms of playback, you have the option of the following file types: WMV and DivX/XviD support (320×240).  The resolution has been picked to give best display on the high quality LCD display.

Naturally, there’s also a photo viewer to compliment the video playback.  Images can be resized for best fit for the player (more on the software later) and are all very easy to bookmark/file on to the player itself.  Yes, you’ll have to use Zen software but no, it’s not half as intrusive as iTunes is and you won’t have to reformat your files.

In terms of the other playback options, you can set up the Zen to record voice messages – so if you have any sudden work inspiration or indeed geeky ideas then switch on the in-built microphone.  It is just perfect for this purpose.  On top of that, you’ll be pleased to note you can tune in to your favourite radio stations with the FM receiver included in the Zen.

Additional features include a clock and alarm function, volume restriction, eight equalizer settings, and a USB hard drive mode, which allows you to drag and drop files directly to and from your Zen. The Zen can also function as a handy organizer, allowing you to synchronize with Microsoft Outlook and display your contacts, calendar, and tasks.

Would I recommend the Zen?  Absolutely.  The software is simple to use and has an easy interface allowing even (gasp) drag and drop functionality.  Perhaps the only real criticism I have is that enough people won’t be going out to buy this as it seems to have hit the market a little late to really compete with the various iPods that are now available.  Nonetheless, Creative have created (pardon the pun) a wonderful product and if you are in the market for a new MP3/video player I’d certainly recommend it.

Yesterday, the Playstation 3’s much-awaited firmware update was finally released… for a few hours.

The new update, v2.40, was THe update that would bring in more accessibility to the XrossMediaBar (XMB), allowing people to actually access it in-game, slight tweaks to the PlayStation Store, tweaks to the DVD and Bluray playback capabilities, and the piece de resistance, the Trophy System.

But availability of the new update was short-lived as Sony pulled it back after complaints flooded the PlayStation message boards about updated PS3s locking up when users try to load a game. The problem seems to also be across the board as owners of 40GB, 60GB and 80GB versions reported the problem.

Sony has yet to issue a statement regarding the issue or an announcement on when it will be made available again.

Online retailer Zappos.com has just commissioned a team (a batallion?) of Kiva Robots to help them with their warehousing needs.  That means if there is an order from a client (crate-able goods), a Kiva Robot will surely be notified of that and off it goes to get that for you in no time.NO SINGLE POINT OF FAILURE, is the banner statement you’d see if you surf over www.kivasystems.com .  Quite a statement, eh?  Check it out:

The Kiva Mobile Fulfillment System (Kiva MFS) uses a breakthrough new approach to order fulfillment - one that simultaneously improves productivity, speed, accuracy, and flexibility. With the Kiva MFS, operators stand still while the products come to them. Pallets, cases, and orders are stored on inventory pods that are picked up and moved by a fleet of mobile robotic drive units. As a result, any product can go to any operator.

Kiva is known to have great dependence on their software.  They have said that it can control a warehouse to bare bones efficiency.  The system would know which robot is the closest to an item, it will know what the best in-warehouse route from pick-up point to the requesting operator, it will know the traffic from point A to B.That is a huge feat!If you’re as huge as www.zappos.com , you would want that system pretty much.  

Sleepless nights are nigh as Blizzard officially announces Diablo III. The company ended endless speculation when it officially unveiled the game during the Blizzard Invitational held in Paris.

Details surrounding the game are still sketchy since the company has admitted that the game is far from finished. But the Blizzard guys had been gracious enough to actually provide a teaser trailer as well as a whopping twenty-minute gameplay footage featuring the Diablo staple Barbarian and the Witch Doctor, one of the new classes in the third game. A lot of gameplay improvements were shown during the gameplay footage but Blizzard has been mum about the other character classes that will be in the game.

I’ve been seriously contemplating leaving my PC game hobby because of the cost of maintaining a multi-platform game addiction but with a game like this in the horizon coupled with Starcraft, there really is no choice. I’ve got to stock up on energy drinks!

If you own a Wii but you’re annoyed at the lack of adult titles, perhaps Mad World (developed and published by Sega) will fit just what you’re looking for.  Well, that’s only if you’re looking for an ultra-violent, ultra-gory roaming kill-a-thon.  You see, Mad World is a bit Manhunt meets Sin City.  What I mean by that is it has the comic book looks, but there’s also seething violence just waiting to be unleashed.

If you’ve seen the trailer you might have spotted the man impaled by a roadsign.  Failing that, there’s the section with the character being slammed into a row of spikes?  For kids it ain’t, that’s for sure.  Granted, this sort of graphic violence means it definitely isn’t for children, but the dark humour could well mean that it is a must have title for those who want to play on the Wii when the kids go to bed.

The main character in Mad World (Jack) comes equipped with a variety of melee weapons with which to dish out the damage.  Simply swinging the chainsaw for instance with the Wii-mote will be enough to get it to start thrashing about, dismembering anyone unfortunate enough to be close.

The same goes for the other weapons, so the method of interaction looks to be very satisfying.  Aside from this, there are various combinations you can use for unarmed combat, along with context-sensitive movements based around the environment.  Aside from the main combat, there are some minigames to complete such as Man Darts, where you get to fling men down the arena with a bat, scoring points just as in darts.

Will Mad World be a one trick pony, expressly released to shock?  Will it find a home on the family friendly Wii?  All these questions will be answered when the game is released in March 2009.

Sure the classic “Manila envelop” stole the show at Macworld 2008.  Steve Jobs used it to drive the point that the Macbook Air is soooo thin, it’ll fit it.  There was a time too that people pressed the “buy now ” button for a “Manila envelop-like sleeve”, but I think the idea is over and done with.  Now most Macbook Air owners would LOVE to pamper their new toys with the best cradle it was meant for.

Check out ORBINO ARIA… classy!

It sells for US$500+, and why wouldn’t it be?  These handcrafted Italian pieces are made with vegetable-tanned fine Tuscan leather.  Perfect for your Macbook Air.  It’s plush leather with color options provide beauty, while the anodized aluminum aircraft-grade frame, the same kind used on the metallic Apple iPod covers, provides protection and added beauty.

Funny, but everytime a friend brings his macbook air and checks it out between flights in airports, he’d always get the usual ooohhhss…. and aaaahhhhsss…. I think if he gets this case those would be louder even if the Macbook Air hasn’t shown up yet. :)

Game developer Blizzard has taken another stab at teasing its fans by posting a very cryptic picture on its website. The company has declined to comment about what the picture means but speculation is growing that they may announce something major at WWI in Paris.

That announcement could well be Diablo 3.

The picture in question shows big shard of ice that have grown skyward and showing a night sky. Over the last few days the sky has been populated with stars and ice flecks  as the mist that obscured it began to recede. What’s interesting is that two bright stars have become quite visible and it resembles a pair of eyes. Some intrepid fans have done their own investigation and have concluded that the eyes are placed exactly as the eyes on the villain printed on the Diablo II box. The question though is whether this is a clever way of teasing fans or an obfuscation to throw them off from the real thing.

Diablo is one of Blizzard’s greatest franchises, and to me their greatest triumph. As a fan I am really hoping that this is going to indeed be Diablo 3. God knows we need one right now. Enough of that WOW shit…

Love him or loathe him, Bill Gates and his unstoppable tech-machine Microsoft is not going away. Well, Microsoft isn’t anyway. It has been announced today that the chairman of Microsoft and one of the world’s richest men is stepping down from the day job of running the company.

Gates has decided to devote part of his time to charity work. Amazingly, as a teenager, Gates had visions of the personal computer in every home. This was a thought that of course not only came true but has moved one step beyond – people have computers in every home along with hard drive recorders, DVD players and much more technology related to computing. We’ve also seen such developments as the iPod becoming ubiquitous in popular culture.

Microsoft was set up by Gates and his childhood friend Paul Allen. Their big break came when a deal was signed with IBM to produce the operating system that became known as MS-DOS. Gates became the youngest self-made billionaire at the age of 31 – a quite incredible achievement. Looking at some of the other rich people in the world, it could be argued that few have had so much global impact as him.

Now 52, Bill has decided to concentrate on the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. He will remain on the board as chairman of Microsoft and his time will be spent (whilst there) on special projects. In the meantime, he will continue to assist in funding beneficial activities such as the creation of new medicines and vaccinations.

Mr Gates, we salute you – though please ensure that your future operating systems are as resource-light, secure and fast as possible, without dumbing them down too much for the average person. Please also promise to keep offering up new updates on these ‘special projects’!

I really like the this!  I haven’t tested one, but I sure would like to add it to my early Christmas list. While I did see a rubish bin at first sight, it quickly de-focused and showed it for what it is.  Handsome system, I think the girls would say ooohhh….  I hope the manufacturer could add more cool designs to enhance it and take off the “rubish-ness” look.

Sure I’ve seen iPod docks, but I’ve never seen a simple dock that connets wirelessly too.  While the picture above only shows one speaker, the system can accommodate 6 wireless receivers (speakers or headsets).

You do not have an iPod, not an issue.  You can plugin your MP3 player as long as it is compatible with the 3.5 mm headset port at the back of the system.  It has built-in USB support, and that tells us we can charge up our non-iPod babies too.

It’s water resistant… baby it’s time to hit the pool!

Available at Amazon.com for US$99.99 right here.

 In what could probably be the best console homebrew yet conceived by geeks and perverts–a method has been discovered that transforms the Nintendo Wii into an “erotic” device.

A new homebrew application developed by Team DWiildo has transformed the popular family-oriented console into a vibrator. Dubbed the Wiibrator, the app runs in the Wii in order to make the Wii Remote vibrate. The team has already adviced those who want to try it to make sure to use the Wii Remote jacket and refrain from using the Wii Zapper or the Wii Wheel peripherals (how that is even possible my mind cannot fathom).

The app has four different playing levels. At this point it is nothing more than a cool tech demo but the team looks like they already have more ideas up their noggin, possibly even putting slideshow images, USB webcam support, online chat and local multiplayer options. Then there is the possibility of having a 32-player online multiplayer that will actually bring a virtual orgy into fruition.

How could you not buy a Wii?

Unfortunately, there’s no picture for this one, but this could well be one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in a long time.  If you’ve ever suffered a cut, there are a number of events that occur to promote the wound healing – most notably the coagulation cascade.  This, put in its simplest, traps small platelets in the blood, which in turn go on to form a clot.

These platelets then also release growth factors, instructing a new layer of skin to regrow at the site of the injury in order to stitch the wound back together.  Fern Tablin, of the University of California, has come forward to propose that blood platelets can be frozen in order to promote wound healing in the injured, as well as gaining access to this elusive ‘growth factor’.

The technique put forward by Professor Talbin involves removing platelets from plasma (in the blood) and then adding them to a polymer.  This would then be combined with a sugar before being frozen.  This would then form a powder that could be applied directly to a wound, added to bandages or wound dressings and then stimulation of healing should occur.

When the military see this, I’ve no doubt that they’ll be champing at the bit in order to have access to the patent.  I really hope that it will work into to ER departments very soon though.  Imagine being the victim of some sort of horrible accident but coming round and healing much faster than normal thanks to this miracle platelet formula.  Professor Talbin, I really hope that your good work pays off very soon.

Ok, this may just be the most outrageous contraption EVER!  And I”m not too sure how to call it too… “breast powered bra”, “bra powerd breast”… ah, nevermind… I’ll leave that to the crafty people of Lingerie maker Triumph International Japan Ltd.  These guys from Triumph are expanding their business for the future.  Hey it’s worth a shot.  Who knows 20-30 years from now this will really hit the market and make it big… literally.

I read the idea right here and confirmed the news right here and here.

While it won’t hit the market in time for Christmas, Triumph said that it just makes a point that everything and everything has its place for a greener earth.  Even bras can help conserve our earth’s natural resource.  These design drafts were engineered to power an iPod with just the vertical motion of breasts.  Not sure what the test results were, but I am guessing 5 hours of walking or 2.5 hours running may do the trick?

I remember the vertical motion energy harvest on CNet before, but that was for the up/down motion of the sea (that story can be read here).  They’ve placed “sea dogs” somewhere in the gulf of mexico to test the idea out.  So Triumph may be accurate about the “breast powered bra” after all.

Beatles fans may actually have something to celebrate after strong rumors began circulating on the net that The Beatles’ catalogue–probably the most closely guarded music property in the world–will finally be made available for use in a game.

No less than the esteemed Financial Times has reported that representatives of the copyright holders of the Beatles’ catalogue are in talks with both Activision and MTV Games about possible licensing deals. Activision publishes Guitar Hero while MTV Games makes Rock Band.

Whoever gets the licensing deal will surely be a big winner here because The Beatles’ music is still as popular as ever.