CES: SONY Hints PSP Future, New Mp3 Players boast Wi-Fi…

CES has kicked off in style. The annual show follows new gizmos and gadgets expected to hit the world sometime soon. Recently, it has become the barrer of everything from iPod accessories to televisions to innovative products. Last year, it was SONY’s platform to re-hype the PSP for its second year. Especially with that lovely CONNECT video service that they wanted so badly but didn’t follow through with. PSPFanboy says that Peter Dille, one of the execs at SONY, was all over the PSP, hinting that a new “online community” would be making its way to the device. Hello?!?! This would be a smashing idea. (–Ya, I really said smashing–)

SanDisk, the #2–and by a distance–mp3 maker, is making a new player to once again pair up with Rhapsody for. The system, dubbed Sansa Connect, includes Wi-Fi capabilities that will allow for the Connect user to transfer music and video from a mobile online service that has been yet announced. Its sleek style and amazing capabilities made it the Best-in-Show Mp3 Player, according to CNet. To tell you the truth, I really like this one.

CES/MWorld: Apple Boasts iPhone, Apple TV, and Changes Name…

Apple’s annual Macworld a.k.a. most press frenzy we’ve seen at a technology event since ever event was the stage for the Cingular-only revealing of the iPhone, Apple’s new do-it-all that will try to conquer the cell phone market just like Apple already has the Mp3 market. Unlike the majority of its competitors, this one has a 3.5″ inch screen, 4/8 GB of massive storage for movies, pictures, music, and practically anything else you can think of, beautiful support for internet viewing and more, Bluetooth capability, a 2MP camera, and oh yes, a $499/$599 price. The technology gurus will have to choose this baby over a PS3. I guess we’ll have to see how/if this thing might actually sell considering its costly price tag. But, as Joystiq is quick to point out, who cares about the phone and multimedia aspects of it when they’re so many capabilities for it as a gaming device to play Flash games, small Apple-run apps, and cell-phone like applications from EA Games. It uses a system that is completely touch: made for your fingers. Uh-oh; Nintendo, somebody stole your innovation.

 

The expected unveiling of the “iTV”, now simply dubbed Apple TV, was pretty low-key. Some information pointed out to exactly how the box works. The box will transmit your music, video, and photos from your computer, through the box, and to the TV. Luckily, it’ll also store all of the content on the device & allow you to pull the content from websites like Apple.com. I’m sure 1,378,322,101 people have already said this but can anyone think of two words that could relate to the latter statement?: YouTube! It’ll go on sale soon and cost $299.

In other news, Apple has officially changed their name from Apple Computer, Inc. to Apple, Inc. signifying that they are no longer solely just a computer company. Especially because nearly/or maybe even over half of their revenue accounts for the iPod and its wondrous catalog of accessories. Apple might not be able to sell computers worthy of being the victor, but the iPod and its accessories can surely rake up some mula for them, if you know what I’m saying!

[UPDATE] CES: New XBOX 360 Coming with HDMI?

 

Microsoft’s XBOX 360 was revealed and put on sale one year before the Wii and PS3. The PS3’s technological advancements scared Microsoft a little bit–an HDMI port worth 1080p resolution, complete [sort of] backwards compatibility with the PS2, next-generation Blu-Ray technology, etc., etc. So, does this mean that Microsoft is considering/planning a second version of the XBOX 360 to compete with the PS3 at a similar or the same price as before? Engadget claims that Microsoft is readying 120 gigs for this baby, and maybe even a nice TV service to go with it, called “IPTV“.

EDIT:  GameSpot revealed that Microsoft has confirmed IPTV for the 360, in partnership with many different telecommunication companies:

Robbie Bach, head of the Entertainment divison at Microsoft, stated that the IPTV service will launch with five partners–including AT&T, British Telecom, Deutsch Telecom, and Swiss Telecom–and that 11 other telcos are “in trial or evaluation.” Yankee Group program manager Michael Goodman, a senior analyst at the research firm who oversees all digital entertainment coverage, said the announcement confirms the Xbox 360 as an “entertainment device,” not just a game machine, and bridges the TV/PC divide, something Microsoft has long sought to do. “This is their nirvana,” Goodman told GameSpot. “They’ve been trying to get into the living room for years, and what’s their first success? Xbox.”

 

 

 

CES: Any SONY Surprises Ahead, Sonic:R Update

Sorry for the delay of any new blog posts: I took a break!

One most wonder if SONY is planning any surprises for the Consumer Electroncics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which begins tomorrow. The annual technology-affair has usually brought new products to the stage like Mp3 players, laptops, digital cameras, and gaming accessories, but if SONY is planning to bring out that video service of there’s or take advantage of Amazon’s, then they might as well use the CES as the platform for revealing it. Last year, they disappointed us with the failed CONNECT update, but if they are really doing this video thing, CES is the perfect place to reveal/preview it and the newly-created E3 Expo is the perfect place to exhibit it.

Sonic: Rivals has truly surprised me more than any other PSP game has. I originally expected it to be a boring experience, but it has turned into one of my PSP favs. Actually, if I was to review it again, I would’ve given it a much nicer score. Either way, all of the acts & worlds are enjoyable and both complex. It is fun to see the camera move while your character moves and it is interesting to collect coins, do power-ups, and race at the same time. This game, though, will only be fun if you understand how to power-up and such. I still haven’t mastered all of the tricks and moves, as I will in the future, but the game is still minorly complex enough to be a fun experience. Almost like a kid with candy.

Meanwhile, PSPFanboy has a “theatre” for video downloads straight to your PSP from your PSP. Muy interesante, but when will we see something other than trailers? Which we can already access from everywhere else?