Developages - Development and Technology Blog

Filed under: Desktops

Sony’s VAIO JS series, which was introduced at CEDIA alongside two larger siblings, is finally on sale and shipping… if you’re after the VGC-JS110J/S, that is. Sony’s initial plan was to have the full line out and about by “mid-October,” though just the bottom-end $999.99 model is currently ready to ship at Amazon. We’d expect the other variations to follow suit shortly, and if you’re still trying to make up your mind if this is the all-in-one for you, why not take a look at a review?

[Via ComputerMonger]

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Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Gaming, Storage

Sitting idle while your new PS3 game installs is painful, but since it’s all in the interest of reducing subsequent load times it’s worth the wait, right? Not for the impatient sods at ExtremeTech, who tried to speed things up further by swapping out their original 60GB PS3’s HDD with Intel’s hot new 80GB ≹-M SSD. The result? Sadly, those multi-minute installs from disc were largely unaffected, since the limitation here is Blu-ray drive speed and not disk speed. However, installs of downloaded demos were upwards of 30-40 percent faster, as were post-installation load times in most games. That’s an impressive boost, but at a cost of about $600 for the SSD itself you′ll be spending about 50 percent more than an entire PS3 of the 80GB spinning disk variety. In other words, this one’s not for the frugal modders, but it is so choice if you have the means.

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Original post by Tim Stevens

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

“Soon-ish” has turned to “now-ish.” PSP owners eager to get their minds into the PlayStation Network (and thus, the PS Store) right on their handheld can now do so… right after they suck down the freshly released firmware 5.0, of course. Aside from the obvious changes, the PlayStation format software can now be output in full-screen size on a connected device, the sleep timer feature can now be used under [Music], the system automatically reverts to USB mode when a USB cable is connected and the [Original] theme has been redesigned. Get it while the gettin’s good.

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Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Given that a PSP-3000 Ratchet & Clank Entertainment Pack managed to sneak out a few days back (and, you know, being that today’s the official launch day and all), you shouldn’t be too floored to hear that the altogether brighter PlayStation Portable is now available across North America. ‘Course, you’ll have to fork over $199.99 for the aforementioned bundle if you want it today — the less-frills black PSP-3000 kit (with just a 4GB Memory Stick) should be around next month.

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Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Cellphones

So what do you think they take pictures of in an FCC lab when they’ve got an 8-megapixel cameraphone handy? Oh, come on — you know the technicians lucky enough to fiddle with fresh gadget after delicious, fresh gadget as they burn through specific absorption rate paperwork engage in a little extracurricular activity from time to time. Our guess, honestly, is that they probably snap that scary apparatus that looks like a human head made out of gelatin and MMS it to their daughter with a message like “look what I found in the ditch, honey!” Of course, that prank only works once before little Julie figures out what daddy’s up to, then all hell breaks loose as she tips off the gadget blogs that there’s an unannounced Sony Ericsson on the way. Yeah, the C905. Thanks, Julie.

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Original post by Chris Ziegler

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Tired of watching Amazon Video on Demand, Dailymotion and YouTube videos on your BRAVIA Internet Video Link? Coming through on its promise to send Hancock to Sony HDTV owners first, Sony Pictures is offering the flick (in 720p or 480p, depending on bandwidth) for $9.99 starting October 28 through November 10, and even throwing in a free Blu-ray copy after it’s released November 24. We’ll have to wait and see if the Hancock At-Home Premiere is a one of a kind promotion (note: the stream is “valued” at $29.99) or a regular benefit to owning a BRAVIA and accompanying $299 add-on, but we can’t help thinking this would be alot more interesting if it were offered over the PlayStation Network.

[Via PR Newswire]

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Original post by Richard Lawler

Sony has ruled out cutting the price of the PlayStation 3 console before Christmas, insisting that the PS3 is better value than rivals half its price.

(Maybe time to rethink that in today’s — or at least last week’s — economy?)

With up to 50% of video game sales made in the run-up to Christmas, Sony is gambling that despite the weak economy, consumers will not just buy the cheapest machine.

If they do, Sony could lose further ground to Nintendo′s Wii and to Microsoft’s entry-level Xbox 360, which sells for $199 in the U.S. after a price cut in September - half the $399 cost of the cheapest PS3.

Sony argues that the basic Xbox has no hard disk drive, while the PS3 plays High-Definition Blu-ray movies as standard. 

Sony launched its third PlayStation model in the line in November 2006. The Ṕ competes most directly with the Xbox 360. Both are high-powered consoles that have sold well to gaming enthusiasts, but neither has matched the casual appeal and rapid success of the much cheaper Wii. 

More at the Financial Times.

Tags: blu-ray, microsoft, playstation 3, sony, wii, xbox 360

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Original post by nafiz

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

This is it, soldiers. The day you’ve been anticipating has finally arrived. Okay, so maybe that’s a build up not deserved by the lowly Metal Gear Solid 4 Bluetooth headset, but seriously, we’ve been waiting ages for this thing to ship. Like, so long that the whole MGS4 aura has already come and gone. Those still firmly planted in Snake’s posse can choose to prove their fanhood by snagging this thing now for $39.98; if all goes well, it should be headed your way in a matter of business days. Over and out.

[Via LogicBuy]

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Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Due to be launched next Tuesday, the PSP-3000 Ratchet &amp Clank Entertainment Pack has managed to slip into at least one Best Buy a few days early, where it was quickly snatched up by friendly tipster Aaron G. He sent us a few unboxing shots out of the kindness of his heart, and now he’s undoubtedly too engrossed in National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets and that ultra-bright screen to pay us much heed. Oh Nicolas Cage, what a charmer you are.

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Original post by Paul Miller

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Even with today’s wireless video game controllers, you can’t stay untethered forever. After a few hours of gaming on the PlayStation 3, you′ll have to plug in that SIXAXIS or DualShock 3 USB cable to charge. Starting December 18th, Sony Japan will offer an AC adapter intended for PS3 controllers at a price of ¥2,800 (just under $30). Like third party solutions we′ve seen, it has two USB ports so you’ll be able to do two controllers or toss in a Bluetooth headset. Nothing yet on availability outside of Japan, but if we get word we’ll be all over it, ‘cause we feel slightly guilty for leaving the Ṕ on overnight to charge — what with the world’s dwindling energy supply and all.

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Original post by Samuel Axon

Filed under: Laptops

It’s not too often we get to toy around with a $4,449.99 laptop, but that’s precisely what we were able to do when Sony’s packed-to-the-hilt VAIO TT (VGN-TT198U to be precise) arrived on our doorstop. The model we received included dual 128GB SSDs, a Blu-ray writer, 11.1-inch LED-backlit display, HDMI output, built-in MOTION EYE webcam, 802.11n WiFi, a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo SU9400 CPU, 4GB of DD̷ RAM, Bluetooth and a pair of USB 2.0 ports. The 2.87-pound unit is essentially a huge thumb of the nose to netbooks everywhere, boasting a frame that’s in the same ballpark (in terms of size) with innards and a price tag that contrast sharply. For those just interested in seeing what south of five large can buy you these days, head on down to the gallery below if you’re actually considering one of these puppies, hop on the past the break for a few impressions.

Continue reading Sony VAIO TT: unboxing, hands-on and impressions

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Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Desktops

Sony’s VAIO VGC-JS190J (you know, the little fellow of the bunch) managed to snag itself a pretty great review late last month, so it’s no shock at all to see the bigger, sleeker and all-around better VGC-RT150Y land similar sentiments. The 25.5-inch unit was rolled out as part of a trio at CEDIA, and besides packing quite a bit of horsepower, this thing actually looks shockingly like a svelte LCD. Reviewers instantly fell in love with the expansive panel, beautiful array of ports, inbuilt HDTV tuner and Blu-ray burner, though reality began to set in when refocusing on the $3,999 list price. Sure, multimedia performance was above par, and it can easily be hung on a wall, but unless you′ve just got oodles of cash to burn (and have something against making donations), this one probably deserves a skip.

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Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Let’s be honest here — you skimped by snagging the 40GB PlayStation 3 back in the day, and now you′re in need of a few extra USB ports and a multicard reader. Thankfully, your fortunes have changed since the days of your original purchase, primarily due to your drunken decision to bet the farm on Seth Petruzelli over the weekend. Whatever the case, Nyko’s unsightly Media Hub+ — which adds a trio of USB sockets and a multicard reader to the 40GB PS3 — is finally available, and it’s just $19.99 for those with no shame in adding it to the face of their console. So, who’s tossing a brown grocery bag over their head and picking one of these up?

[Via IGN]

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Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Laptops

Time to face the music, folks — 18.4-inches is the new 17-inch. Sony’s recently unveiled VAIO AW is undoubtedly going toe-to-toe with HP’s new HDX 18t, and while both will garner all sorts of stares from onlookers, it appears that the VGN-AW190 may have an edge in terms of extras. For starters, this unit’s Adobe RGB-compatible display will be mighty impressive to those who dabble in photos to make ends meet, and the included RAM, CPU and Blu-ray drive were all smiled upon. Strangely enough, Sony tossed in a pathetically slow 4,200RPM hard drive to put a damper on overall performance, but that — along with the $3k+ sticker — was the only real weak spot. Overall, critics found that this machine would likely suit graphic designers and photographers quite well, but the average joe / jane may not appreciate the pricey extras enough to make it worthwhile.

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Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Now that Sony Ericsson’s mighty X1 has earned the FCC’s love and affection, you won’t be an outlaw for using one in the States — but unfortunately, you won’t be a speed demon everywhere, either. The version that just nabbed approval here is the X1i, and anyone familiar with Sony Ericsson’s naming scheme can tell you that an “i” means a phone’s not really meant for North American consumption; in this case, we’re lucky to squeak by with UMTS Band II support, which means we’ll theoretically be able to pick up some of AT&ampT’s 1900MHz signal. On 850, though, you’ll be stuck with EDGE. Of course, a true global launch has been in the cards for the X1 from day one, and we’re not worried that we won’t see a more 3G-rife model getting torn down by the feds — this just ain’t it.

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Original post by Chris Ziegler