Archive for July, 2009

Worms set for iPod/iPhone release

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

A new version of the classic strategy video game title Worms has been released on the iPod Touch and iPhone.

Developers Team17 have designed a new version of the turn-based strategy game that will bring the iconic blend of weird and wonderful weapons to the portable screen.

The title is available for download at Apple’s App Store and features 50 challenges as well as quick player and four-player hot-seat modes.

There is also the famous random level generator that ensures hours of fun across an ever-changing landscape.

A total of 26 weapons, tools and utilities are available in this latest title, including the more obscure Concrete Donkey and Holy Hand Grenade, which take advantage of the mobile devices’ innovative multi-touch user interface.

Players can also create their own worms, unlock new voices and customise gravestones.

It comes amid rumours that Duke Nukem 3D will be making an appearance on the iPhone, although this has yet to be confirmed by Apple or the video game’s developers.
ADNFCR-2524-ID-19264061-ADNFCR

 

Battlefield 1943 released on Xbox Live

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

EA’s classic Battlefield 1943 title has been released on Microsoft’s Live online network for Xbox 360 owners.

The iconic Battlefield franchise will be available only in its multiplayer format, with up to 24 players fighting it out in all-out war first-person shooter simulation in a range of realistic Pacific environments.

Players can move their chosen soldier around terrain by land, sea or air, opting to deal with any enemy encounters either as a team or with friends.

The latest title in this franchise follows the release of Battlefield 1942, where players can choose between five different classes of infantry, including Scout, Assault, Anti-Tank, Medic and Engineer.

There is also an intricate rankings system in the new version, which can be tracked online, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in their warring experience.

Choose between rifleman, tank commander, or fighter pilot in this engrossing multiplayer online simulation and let battle commence!
ADNFCR-2524-ID-19264051-ADNFCR

 

Mobile supermarket shopping with new iPhone app

Monday, July 13th, 2009

A new iPhone application is set to allow owners to order their weekly food shop on their handset.

The online supermarket Ocado has launched a new virtual shopping application, called Ocado on the Go.

Co-founder of Ocado Jason Gissing said: "This is grocery shopping 2.0 and it’ll offer a huge, huge benefit to many of our busy customers.

"Ocado on the Go is quite possibly the quickest, most convenient and fun way to do the weekly shop yet."

Shoppers can choose from thousands of groceries on their iPhone – selecting from food, drinks, homeware, books and many other products.

The iPhone application has also been synchronised with the website, so shoppers can start their order on one and finish it on the other.

Product details are stored on the phone’s application, so shopping need not stop when there is a break in the internet connection.

Ocado recommends using the iPhone to place an online order at the same time as going through kitchen cupboards, ensuring nothing essential is left off the shopping list.
ADNFCR-2524-ID-19262072-ADNFCR

 

Nintendo DS diabetes management device unveiled

Monday, July 13th, 2009

A new Nintendo DS add-on, the Didget meter, is set to change the way children manage their diabetes conditions.

Launched by Bayer Diabetes Care in the UK, the new device attaches to Nintendo’s popular portable gaming system to help them manage their blood sugar independently.

The Didget measures body glucose levels, providing reward incentives for consistent blood glucose testing habits and meeting personalised glucose target ranges.

John Gregory, professor in paediatric endocrinology at Cardiff University, said that the Didget adds "an element of fun" to a routine that can help to ease tension between parents and children.

He explained: "One of the biggest challenges facing parents of children with diabetes is the constant struggle to instil the habit of regular blood glucose testing that is critical for consistent diabetes management.

"Bayer’s Didget meter can transform a child’s blood glucose testing experience from something they have to do into something they want to do."

The new device is the latest health and fitness-related piece of hardware released on a Nintendo platform and follows the launch of the popular Wii Fit, which sets users fitness targets and measures key indicators such as Body Mass Index and balance.
ADNFCR-2524-ID-19262077-ADNFCR

 

The FIAT 500 Winner

Thursday, July 9th, 2009


MadBid: How does it feel to be a winner of a brand new Fiat 500 Catherine?
Catherine: Still a bit unreal really, I didn’t believe it until I got the registration details through. It’s fantastic!

MadBid: Walk us through your moments of winning and moments of bidding!
Catherine: I noted that on the Thursday night the site was really quiet. I put some bids on Autobid and went to bed.  I was just dropping off to sleep and got the text message that said: “Congratulations, you have just won a car!” I couldn’t quite believe it. I woke the whole family and couldn’t sleep the whole night!

Catherine-Fiat-500-Winner-on-MadBid-1

MadBid: Talk us through your winning strategy?
Catherine: I try to look for days when I think the site will be a bit quieter like Fathers Days, Mothers Days, or good weather days. Then I sit and obverse the bidding. If the site does not look too busy, it’s probably worth having a go.

MadBid: Which words describe MadBid the best?
Catherine: MAD has to be the first one, doesn’t? [laughter] Frustrating sometimes, exhilarating, wicked – it’s a good site!

MadBid: How do you think we can improve your MadBid experience?
Catherine: I think the way MadBid.com works is the best, I prefer how instant it is. Once the action starts – that’s it. On other sites the auctions start sometimes 10 hours before and just counts down for those 10 hours. I prefer how MadBid works – it’s more straightforward.

Catherine-Fiat-500-Winner-on-MadBid-3

MadBid: Would you recommend MadBid to your friends?
Catherine: This is a tricky one, isn’t it? [laughter] I have already recommended it to some friends.

MadBid: Any handy tips for new MadBidders?
Catherine:Definitely to sit, watch and observe. Watch the site without bidding before placing any bids. Observe before you take the plunge.

MadBid: What products should “Rookie” MadBidders go for?
Catherine: Definitely the cheaper ones. It’s easier to win cheaper auction items. Once you have won those, it gives you confidence and gives you a reputation of a serious bidder.

MadBid: What where your first thoughts about MadBid?
Catherine: It was a news report on BBC one Saturday morning. I had not heard about Penny Auction or Penny Auctions before, so I went on the internet to see what they were talking about. Consequently, I found MadBid!

MadBid: Congratulations again Catherine on the big auction win!
Catherine: Thank you very much – also for the TomTom! Now at least I will find my way out of London!

Catherine-Fiat-500-Winner-on-MadBid-2

Duke Nukem 3D rumoured for iPhone release

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Classic video game title Duke Nukem 3D is set to head to the iPhone with new refreshed graphics, rumours suggest.

Developer MachineWorks Northwest has plans to introduce the action-packed first-person shooter to the App Store very soon, according to IGN.

The wise-cracking Duke will still have his likeable anti-hero persona intact, with little tweaked except the graphics, which will be given a smoothing over.

Controlling the game is also expected to take advantage of the iPhone’s innovative touchscreen, with on-screen control bars set to allow the player to move and look around the virtual environment.

MachineWorks efforts will no doubt be welcomed with open arms by staunch Nukem fans, with the under-development Duke Nukem Forever still not expected to emerge for purchase for some time.

Developers Take Two and 3D Realms are still locked in a complex legal battle that has riled the gaming world, which may be left waiting for the new game until the dispute is resolved.
ADNFCR-2524-ID-19258124-ADNFCR

 

Fancy meeting Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres?

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Football fans are set to be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to star alongside footballers Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres in a up-coming advert.

Konami Digital Entertainment is looking for a UK-based Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) fan to join the international footballers in an advert for the forthcoming video game title PES 2010.

Entry into the competition is free, with fans required to upload an image or 30-second video clip showing why they love PES so much.

The most imaginative entries will then be invited to a special casting session, with the all-round winner set to appear alongside the Barcelona and Liverpool stars in the famous game’s latest marketing campaign.

PES 2010 will be released for the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, PSP and PlayStation 2 this autumn.

Konami recently confirmed that the Wii version of the game will feature new additions, such as stamina elements linked to the sprint and tackle functions.
ADNFCR-2524-ID-19258137-ADNFCR

 

IPod/iPhone mini-projector unveiled

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

IPhone and iPod users will soon be able to get their hands on a mini projector that will enable videos to be watched on a larger screen.

The portable MiLi Pro iPhone, iPod video projector is barely bigger than an iPhone and can be easily carried around by owners wherever they go.

MiLi’s new device fits in the palm of your hand and is capable of displaying images with a 640×480 high resolution.

Most excitingly of all, the new device can be used on almost any viewing surface, with a special focus wheel capable of being used to fine-tune the image quality.

Videos and pictures can be viewed on the equivalent of up to a 40-inch screen and there are even integrated speakers so that movies and videos can be enjoyed with friends.

The MiLi Pro is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, 3G, 2G and iPod Touch and iPod Classic devices.

It will be available to purchase from September, so movie buffs are urged to purchase their video-compatible iPod soon, if they haven’t already.
ADNFCR-2524-ID-19243430-ADNFCR

 

PS2 titles on the PS3?

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Sony PlayStation 3 owners may soon be able play all their favourite PlayStation 2 titles on their new console.

A patent discovered by Siliconera reveals that Sony bought the details of a method to emulate PS2 games on the newer console, that could pave the way for titles to be both downloaded or played on disc.

Such a move may even emulate the success of PlayStation 1 games following the release of the PS2, which is capable of playing the titles of its predecessor.

Sony initially had introduced PS2 game compatibility on early releases of the new PS3 console, but was withdrawn before any of these models made it to PAL region markets such as the UK.

However, the future of this compatibility remains uncertain, with the patent filed months ago and still no word from Sony as to whether it will be introduced or not.

ADNFCR-2524-ID-19243435-ADNFCR

 

Sony PS3 price ‘will not be dropped’

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Sony’s chief executive has said that he will not bow to pressure to reduce the price of the Sony PlayStation 3 console.

Those sitting in hope of a price reduction will no doubt be disappointed with the news, which could see more people looking out for discount PS3 bargains online.

Speaking to Reuters, Sony chief executive Howard Stringer was responding to hints dropped by Robert Kotick of games publilsher Activision Blizzard, who suggested that he may stop making games for the console in light of its high price.

However, Mr Stringer told the news agency: "He’s putting pressure on me and I’m putting pressure on him. That’s the nature of business.

"I (would) lose money on every PlayStation I make – how’s that for logic."

At the start of the month, a number of new features were launched for download on the PlayStation Network.

Among them were the latest trailer for a new action game from the creators of Devil May Cry and a Japanese puzzle game Numblast.
ADNFCR-2524-ID-19256465-ADNFCR