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iControlPad iPhone gamepad case prototype surfaces

by Nilay Patel, posted Aug 25th 2008 at 5:03PM


We saw a couple versions of the iControlPad iPhone gamepad surface back in May, but it looks like the clever add-on is getting close to reality -- check out these case prototypes that just popped up. Yeah, it's not, uh, small -- good thing the target price is under $30. Touch Arcade also has some other pictures of another iPhone gaming accessory that looks like it slides open, check it out at the read link.

Zeemote Zeekey enables JS1-controlled Nokia gaming

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 23rd 2008 at 12:40AM

Contrary to what Zeemote is implying with its latest release, this isn't the first time we've seen a handset maker embrace (as in, literally hug) its JS1 Bluetooth controller. Nevertheless, the Zeekey application will enable S60 device owners to play N-Gage games and control S60 apps with the aforementioned JS1. We're told that the program will come pre-loaded on "featured handsets as special gaming bundles," though it'll also be available by its lonesome on Nokia's website. If only you could work up the will to actually buy that JS1, you'd be in business.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Purported iPhone Nike+ screenshots found to be fake

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 21st 2008 at 7:57AM

And to think, we actually believed that Nike and Apple were this close to delivering the long-awaited running application for the iPhone. While it was widely reported that these shots were indeed the real deal, AppleInsider is pointing out a chink in the armor: Cupertino doesn't offer iPhone developers a programming interface for accessing one's music, yet this mysterious program clearly showed someone listening to Chris Martin and friends (an unreleased song, evidently) while attempting to make it to 0.02km. The take away? It's still pretty likely that the two outfits are working to create a fitness program for the App Store, but those screenshots ain't it.

[Thanks, Michael]

Sony Ericsson launches Zeemote's JS1 Controller bundle for the W760

by Paul Miller, posted Aug 4th 2008 at 9:31AM


Tilt controls might be getting all the fanfare, what with the iPhone and Sony Ericsson's own W760 featuring tilt gaming, but the analog stick still reigns supreme when it comes to getting some actual fragging done. We spotted Zeemote's promising JS1 mobile joystick back at MWC this year, featuring four trigger buttons and an analog nub, but the little Bluetooth controller is finally getting a release. In fact, Sony Ericsson is giving this thing away in the Netherlands, with the purchase of a W760. Sadly, folks who already own a W760, don't live in the Netherlands, or just want a stand-alone JS1 for throwing at people or wedging in small crevices are still out of luck -- still no word on price or release of the thing outside this deal.

Video: pigeon learns to "play" Tap Tap Revenge

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 3rd 2008 at 10:33AM


It's hard to say if the pigeon you see above actually understood what he / she was doing, but apparently these birds can be taught to at least play App Store games in a very poor manner. The creature's owner does note that Mr. Pigeon was pretty awful at racking up high scores on Tap Tap Revenge, but the important thing to realize here is that pigeon pecks do register as presses on the screen. Now that this is all out in the open, we fully expect a follow-up video next week of someone teaching their bird to dial a number on command. Vid's after the break.

Continue reading Video: pigeon learns to "play" Tap Tap Revenge

Nokia looking to bring N-Gage empire to consoles?

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jul 31st 2008 at 2:06PM


Perhaps one of the largest barriers to a massive, all-out, unqualified success for Nokia's latest incarnation of N-Gage is that it takes two to tango -- yes, it's as much a single-player gaming platform as it is a multi-player one, but the community features are its crown jewel and it's pretty tough to find another N-Gager in some parts of the world. Nokia's Aki Jarvilehto told attendees of the Develop 2008 conference that it's looking at using N-Gage's "assets" on Xbox Live or PlayStation Online, though it's not clear whether there'd be any interactivity between console players and their mobile equivalents, or if Nokia's just looking for another revenue stream to augment on-phone sales. Either way, Creatures of the Deep on the big screen without having to jack into our N95's TV-out? Bring it on.

[Via The Nokia Blog]

Nokia adds trio of recent models to N-Gage compatibility list

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jul 23rd 2008 at 9:42AM

If you've been desperately seeking some Snakes Subsonic gaming partners on that N82 of yours, your pool of potential playmates just got a little (emphasis on "little") wider. The N78, N96, and XpressMusic 5320 have now been added into the N-Gage client compatibility mix -- though of the three, the N78 is the only one that's really widely available at this point. The 5320's just now starting to trickle into distribution around the world, and if you happen to end up playing System Rush with an N96 owner in the next few weeks... well, you're playing with a very special individual, indeed.

[Via All About Symbian]

Guitar Hero III: Backstage Pass simulates the crushing pain of having your demo tape rejected

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jul 18th 2008 at 5:12PM


The Guitar Hero franchise is synonymous with headbangin', mosh pittin' in-your-face rock 'n roll, but the latest joint released for phones is going in a slightly different direction. Rest assured, rock is still an integral component of the game, but Guitar Hero III: Backstage Pass takes a step back from the actual performances to simulate the whole rockstar experience from end to end. Buyers can apparently expect "more than 25 hours of gameplay" through a whole RPG-like storyline of promotion, gigging, and getting screwed over by shady managers. Even better, an online component over the web lets players compare stats and achievements, download new content, and set up challenges for in-game money. Groupies aren't included, as far as we can tell -- you'll still need your Ferrari-branded Vertu to help out with that.

Sony Ericsson makes good on Motion Gaming F305 and S302 Snapshot handsets

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jun 17th 2008 at 3:54AM


We'll make this quick since we've already given you all the details related to Sony Ericsson's Motion Gaming F305 and S302 Snapshot. The F305 quad-band GSM/EDGE slider relies upon a motion-sensing accelerometer (pictured bowling), dedicated gaming controls, and stereo speakers to create the gaming experience -- an experience hampered by a wee 2.0-inch, 176 x 220 display. It ships with a standard 8-hour battery with an optional CPP-100 backup battery pack to extend play. The quad-band GSM/EDGE S302 Snapshot is just a regular ol' candybar with 2 megapixel sensor, photo light, video recording, and plenty of build-up trying to position it as a camera first, phone second. Both hit in Q4, and the gallery is right over here.

Read -- F305 Motion Gaming
Read -- S302 Snapshot

Sony Ericsson F305 concept leaves little to the imagination for June 17 event

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jun 12th 2008 at 5:31PM


With the Paris, Shiho, Alicia, BeiBei, and this F305 all seemingly scooped at this point, what else could Sony Ericsson possibly have up its sleeve for its big event next Tuesday? Odds are they don't have much left in the tank -- but with the breadth of models expected on the stage, that's not necessarily a bad thing. What you see here isn't an actual picture of the F305, but the concept sketch is said to represent "80%" of what the actual device will look like, a gaming-focused low to mid-end slider with an FM radio and stereo speakers. There's more interesting hardware undoubtedly dropping on the 17th that'll more desperately deserve our attention, sure, but as cheap sliders go, this could be a winner. See what we did there? It's a gaming handset. You know, "winner." Never mind.

Tetris, MobiTV favorites for AT&T customers

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jun 9th 2008 at 11:39AM

What are AT&T subscribers buying, downloading, and using on their handsets? The carrier has released its top-selling apps for the first quarter, and we've got to admit, the results aren't very surprising at all. Not including games, MobiTV takes the top spot -- likely in part because AT&T pushes it so hard -- and the ubiquitous thriller Tetris is the number one game. Makes sense, but do you agree? What have you been downloading lately?

[Via mocoNews]

Prototype iControlPad proves itself on video

by Darren Murph, posted May 31st 2008 at 4:11PM


Hah, did you really have the nerve to doubt CraigIX? The iPhone gamepad add-on that we heard about just last week is already inching closer to reality, and there's a video to prove it. In the somewhat unexciting clip posted up after the jump, you'll see a PCB mockup of the device doing its thang, though it's quite inelegant in its current form. If you just needed one more something to boost your interest / confidence that this critter was real, you know where to head.

[Via zodttd]

Continue reading Prototype iControlPad proves itself on video

TurboGrafx-16 emulation hits the iPhone

by Joshua Topolsky, posted May 30th 2008 at 10:10AM


Finally, the ultimate dream of all iPhone owners has come to pass: TurboGrafx-16 emulation. Thanks once again to the massive talents at ZodTTD, Apple's phone has gotten another piece of the emulator puzzle in the form of Temper4iphone, a fully functioning recreation of everyone's favorite under-performing game console. The app can play both TurboGrafx and PC-Engine games, as well as CD-based ROMs. Right now the software is only available to beta testers (and donation-makers), though it's expected to hit wide release soon. Check the video after the break and see for yourself.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading TurboGrafx-16 emulation hits the iPhone

Nokia promises to let N-Gage users transfer games

by Donald Melanson, posted May 23rd 2008 at 1:01PM

Well, that didn't take long. Just as the mini-brouhaha over N-Gage games being tied to handsets was starting to percolate, Nokia has now come out and said that users will be able to take their games with them to a new handset after all, eventually. According to Nokia communications manager Oskar Södergren, some "miscommunication" on Nokia's part is apparently to blame for users being left up in the air on the matter, something that apparently led to some "mixed messages" being passed around inside Nokia as well. He went on to add that Nokia has in fact "been working on a way for this to work since the relaunch, but it is taking some time for everything to fall into place."

N-Gage users N-Raged by Nokia handset lock-in

by Thomas Ricker, posted May 22nd 2008 at 6:06AM

N-Raged... see what we did there? Sigh. Anyway, Nokia's strategy of handset lock-in has its N-Gage subscribers in a fit. Seems somebody didn't read the EULA and now is upset that they must re-purchase N-Gage titles when they switch Nokia handsets. The terms and conditions do state that, "Content shall be... limited to one private installation on one N-Gage compatible Nokia device only." Forever. Come on Nokia, we're all for reading, but purchased games should at least be transferrable to newly purchased, substitute Nokia devices. After all, that's what you claim for music downloaded from your forthcoming Comes with Music service. Don't turn N-Gage v2 into another sidetalkin' fiasco.




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