Simplify Digital

Last night's edition of The Gadget Show featured Jon Bentley's guide to the best broadband deals on the market! The presenter suggested using Simplify Digital (The UK's leading digital TV, broadband and home phone comparison service. Free and impartial consultation accredited by Ofcom).

During The Gadget Show I tweeted that I was about to contact Virgin Media cancellations and investigate switching to an O2 or sky broadband package! Simplify Digital (Twitter link) followed me and sent a most helpful follow-up DM!

I was so impressed with Simplify Digital's friendly advice, that it was my duty to inform readers of this excellent service. You may wish to subscribe to the Simplify Digital Blog!

Again, Twitter proves itself invaluable.

Now, back to calling Virgin Media in the hopes of negotiating a faster broadband connection at no extra cost!

You should follow me on twitter here.

"Fabulous 15"

TOYS"R"US ANNOUNCES 2008 HOT TOY LIST FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Toy Authority Reveals 36 New Toys Guaranteed to Top Christmas Wish Lists and Selects the "Fabulous 15" Representing the Best of the Season

WAYNE, NJ (September 25, 2008) - With the official start of the holiday shopping season only weeks away, today Toys"R"Us announced its 2008 Hot Toy list, representing the definitive selection of toys that will top kids' wish lists this holiday season. The company's predicted list of the biggest holiday "must-haves" features 36 new toys that are sure to delight and excite kids across the country when they open their Christmas presents. Carefully selected after a comprehensive review process, items on the list are organized by age from "Baby's First Christmas" to "Big Kids" and serve as a starting point to help parents, friends and family find the perfect gift for any child. From the overall list, the "Fabulous 15" were selected to represent the very best toys of the season. All items featured on the list are available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and at www.Toysrus.com/HotToys.

"After a thorough evaluation of all new toy introductions throughout the year, and consultations with our global merchandising team in 34 countries, Toys"R"Us has the unique ability to provide our guests with THE ultimate list of items certain to bring big smiles to kids' faces – the Toys"R"Us Hot Toy list," said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "With new toy shipments arriving in our stores daily, customers will have a better chance of finding the hottest toys, in stock, at Toys"R"Us than anywhere else."

THE TOYS"R"US "FABULOUS 15"

THE BEST OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Following are the Toys"R"Us "Fabulous 15," representing the best new toys of the holiday season (listed in alphabetical order):

50's Diner™ from Step2®
Bakubelt™ Action Kit from Spin Master™
Circus Ring from Playmobil®
Classic Lights and Sounds Trike from Radio Flyer®
Girl Gourmet™ Cupcake Maker from JAKKS Pacific®
EyeClops® Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles from JAKKS Pacific®
FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVIN' PUP from Hasbro®
Imaginext™ Spike the Ultra Dinosaur from Fisher-Price®
Laugh & Learn™ Shop & Learn Walker from Fisher-Price®
Little Mommy™ Sweet As Me™ Baby Knows™ Dolls from Mattel®
Pink 8GB iPod® nano from Apple®
Pink Tag™ Reading System from LeapFrog®
Sesame Street® Elmo Live! from Fisher-Price®
Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Twilight from LEGO Systems, Inc.
Wii Fit™ from Nintendo®

THE TOYS"R"US 2008 HOT TOY LIST

From Baby's First Christmas to Big Kids, the Toys"R"Us Hot Toy list represents the top new toys for 2008 in each age group:

Baby's First Christmas
Candy Rock ‘N Bounce Pony from Radio Flyer®
The classic Radio Flyer Rock ‘N Bounce Pony received a makeover and now boasts a flashy design in pastel hues of pink and purple. This Toys"R"Us exclusive features a safety saddle to keep toddlers secure, which can be removed to accommodate an older child. The patented Rubber Bounce Suspension provides a safe, quiet ride, while the soft fabric body can be removed for easy cleaning. Riders can also hold onto the easy-grip for safe, fun riding. No batteries required. Ages 9 months to 3 years.

Crayola Beginnings™ Baby TaDoodles Rainbow Tower from Crayola®
With the TaDoodles Rainbow Tower, available only at Toys"R"Us, children can explore colors, lights and music by stacking and nesting the easy-to-grasp TaDoodles puppy, kitten and mouse characters on the musical base. These friendly faces combine to make new colors and music when one is placed on top of the other in this skill building toy. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 6 months and up.

Laugh & Learn™ Fun with Friends™ Musical Table from Fisher-Price®
Encouraging baby's learning and play, this bilingual activity table offers interactive characters with light-up faces that have unique and expressive personalities. The set features an interactive "First Words" book, counting phone with detachable receiver and piano keys. The table has four modes of play in both English and Spanish that teach letters, numbers, opposites, shapes, colors, greetings, first words, songs and tunes. After baby stops engaging in one activity, another activity will light up to promote continued play. Also, the included laptop opens and closes for realistic role-play, while the legs of the table are detachable for younger-age floor play. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 6 months to 3 years.

Laugh & Learn™ Shop & Learn Walker from Fisher-Price®
This learning walker teaches baby through everyday play and will continue to entertain children even after they master walking through three interactive play modes. As the steady walker is put into motion, music and lights encourage continued movement and sing-along to the "ABCs" and other learning songs. The Shop & Learn Walker includes four grocery shape-and-sort items and three additional grocery items. Once a shape is placed into its corresponding sorter, the cart responds by stating the color and shape of that item, while activating sounds and dancing lights. The three modes of play are Learning, Music and Imagination, which teach baby about colors, shapes, counting, letters, opposites, textures and objects. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 9 months to 3 years.

13 months to 2 years
50's Diner™ from Step2®
Children can step back to yesteryear with this retro-themed diner that transports them behind the grill at a local hot spot from the 1950s. This classically styled kitchen features everything needed to prepare an imaginary meal and serve customers – just like a real diner – including an oven, grill, dishes, silverware, cups, spatula, ice cream scoop, sundae dishes, deep fryer, ketchup and mustard bottles, and a sink to clean the dishes. To help kids turn up the heat, the included griddle pan and coffee pot activate electronic sizzling and bubbling sounds when placed on the stove's front burner. Of course, there's ample seating for customers at a retro-style tabletop with a working jukebox that lets kids rock around the clock with three 50's-style tunes. 2 "AA" batteries and 4 "AAA" batteries required (not included). Ages 2 years and up.

Crayola Beginnings™ Scribble & Sing™ Art Station from Crayola®
Designed to captivate and spur toddler creativity, this Scribble & Sing Art Station offers toddlers a chance to experience color and sound, while discovering the joy of making a first mark with their favorite TaDoodles friends. The set comes complete with five TaDoodles markers, including orange bear, blue chipmunk, pink duck, yellow squirrel and green owl, each designed to fit in the palm of a child's hand. When a child places any of the five markers into the center circle, the Art Station recognizes the TaDoodles character color, activating unique songs and activities. Featuring 15 fun activities, kids can scribble to the sounds of music and lights for endless hours of imaginative play. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 18 months and up.

Nick Jr.™ Wonder Pets™ This is Serious Ming-Ming from Fisher-Price®
Straight from Nick Jr.'s hit show, Wonder Pets, everyone's favorite character Ming Ming is here to sing and dance her way into the hearts and homes of kids everywhere. The 13-inch plush pet offers two modes of interactive play and brings all of the signature phrases, songs and dance moves from the show to life. Ming Ming can also answer the "Can Phone" upon hearing the "Can Phone" song, strike that signature pose and dance the "This is Serious" dance, all choreographed to the Wonder Pets' theme song. In the second mode, Ming Ming will take kids through some of her adventures, lead games and teach them how to do the dance. 4 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 18 months and up.

Sesame Street® Elmo Live! from Fisher-Price®
For the first time, Elmo seems to step out of the TV screen and into kids' living rooms with the help of animatronics. This lifelike version of everyone's favorite red monster opens and closes his mouth as he speaks, moves his arms, dances, crosses his legs, sits and stands as he tells stories and jokes. Children can activate their furry friend with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo's foot, tummy, back or nose. 6 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 18 months and up. Available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on October 14.

2–4 years
Barbie® & The Diamond Castle Princess Liana™ and Princess Alexa® Dolls from Mattel®
In the new Barbie & The Diamond Castle movie, Barbie and her pal Teresa star as two best friends, Princess Liana and Princess Alexa, on their journey to discover music, magic and the power of friendship. To bring home the wonder of the theatrical release, kids will have fun reenacting scenes from the film with this Barbie doll, featured as Princess Liana, who sings two songs from the movie and wears a mesmerizing glittery gown that magically transforms with the flip of a switch! Barbie's necklace also lights up when she sings. Pair her with the Teresa doll, featured as Princess Alexa, in a similar glamorous dress, to hear them perform beautiful duets. Each doll sold separately. 3 "LR44" button cell batteries required (included). Ages 3 and up.

Classic Lights and Sounds Trike from Radio Flyer®
A retro-inspired redesign of the classic tricycle, this three-wheeler with pink "mod" flair will have kids clamoring to go for a fun-filled ride. Little fashionistas can take a spin around the neighborhood to show off the trike's flashy design and cool "Ms. Flyer" license plate. Girls will learn to abide by the rules of the road, using the touch-button blinkers to show which direction they're headed next. This Toys"R"Us exclusive even has a working horn and buttons to activate fun tunes. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 18 months to 3 years.

Classic Train Table with Roundhouse from Imaginarium
All aboard for fun with this Toys"R"Us exclusive train table, featuring more than 100 pieces, that lets kids use their imagination as they ride the rails. This real wood table comes with everything needed to create a small city, including more than 23-feet of track, eight train cars, a fueling station, an airport tunnel, a working crane, a roundhouse with five opening doors, people, street signs, street lamps, trees, a truck, a helicopter and more. When any wooden train engine or train car featuring a magnet chugs over one of six different sections of the track, it comes to life with exciting train-themed movements, lights and sounds. The table also features two drawers, making cleanup a snap when playtime is over. 6 button cell batteries required (included) and 5 "AAA" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 and up.

Imaginext™ Spike the Ultra Dinosaur from Fisher-Price®
Stomping out of the prehistoric age, this 27-inch-tall, remote control dinosaur is ready to become a child's new best friend. Spike can walk, move his head, stand on his hind legs, open and close his mouth, blink and eat two boulders or a bone (all included) with a command from the remote control. Each button on the included remote features a symbol, making it easy for kids to use, even before they learn how to read. Spike also roars and growls like a real dinosaur. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included), and one rechargeable "9.6 volt" battery (included). Ages 3 to 10 years.

Little Mommy™ Sweet As Me™ Baby Knows™ Dolls from Mattel®
These three baby dolls really do know! When kids put the doll's hands to its eyes, it will recite the "ABCs" and play games. And, when the doll's hands are placed to its mouth, ears, toes or tummy, it'll name that body part in English and in Spanish. Featuring a choice of three dolls, including a blonde girl, brunette girl and blond boy, these interactive toys provide language development and fine motor skill-building, while kids emulate mom and dad through active role play. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Each doll sold separately. Ages 2 and up.

Natural Wood Alphabet Blocks Wagon from Toys"R"Us
This natural wood alphabet block set, available exclusively at Toys"R"Us, is both fun and forest-friendly. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal of certification on the box indicates that wagon and blocks are crafted from replenishable materials that are chemical-free, ensuring safe and environmentally conscious play. This classic set of alphabet blocks, designed with a unique wood-burning technique, fit snugly into the wagon so kids can bring the joy of educational play with them wherever they go. No batteries required. Ages 2 and up.

V.Motion™ Active Learning System from Vtech®
Kids won't be parked in front of the TV any longer. Now, little learners can be put in motion while driving home lessons in math, reading, science, spelling and more! The V.Smile Motion TV Learning System is a kiddie gaming console that combines wireless, motion-activated play, web connectivity and educational gaming into a system that plugs directly into your television. The system gets kids engaged with games that include characters such as Scooby-Doo, Thomas the Tank Engine and Spider-Man, as well as new friends like Kung Fu Panda, Wall-E and Wonder Pets. Kids will love the wireless action-packed play that connects them with animated pals that guide them through age-appropriate skill levels and developmental activities. 3 "AAA" and 4 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 3 to 7 years.

YO GABBA GABBA!™ Dance Time Brobee from Spin Master™
Kids and fans of the Nick Jr. show YO GABBA GABBA! are sure to find this Dance Time Brobee doll tons of fun! Simply press Brobee's foot to get him moving and grooving, and he'll prompt children to dance along. This 13.5-inch tall interactive toy swings his arms around and shuffles his feet while doing the "Go Brobee" dance, a familiar step to fans of the show. Brobee also sings other familiar songs and says fun phrases from the show. 4 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 2 and up.

5-7 years
30" designer series acoustic guitars from First Act Discovery®
Future pop stars can decide how they want to jam with their choice of five Designer Series Acoustic Guitars, available only at Toys"R"Us. These eye-catching instruments are made with natural wood, thin frets and low string action to help musicians achieve the highest quality sound. The guitars also come equipped with exclusive Learn-A-Chord Cards that teach beginners to groove as they strum their way to fame. Kids can choose from the pink Jeweled Rosette guitar bedazzled with style, the Lavender guitar with butterfly stenciling, the Army Stripes guitar with green and black print, the classic black Diamond Plate guitar or the blue Flame Bling guitar, all sure to be a hit with young musicians. No batteries required. Ages 7 and up.

Circus Ring from Playmobil®
Kids can join the circus without leaving home when they put together this deluxe set boasting more than 200 pieces. Featuring a circus ring, an adjustable big top tent, ticket booth, light-up arch, high wire, trapeze artists, ringmaster, popcorn salesman, a family of three and seating for 30, children have everything they need to create the greatest imaginary show ever. 2 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 5 and up.

FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVIN' PUP from Hasbro®
The most realistic interactive pet to join the FURREAL FRIENDS family, this plush dog will have kids eating out of its paw as soon as they see its range of tricks. Through voice recognition and animatronics, BISCUIT reacts just like a real golden retriever when children command it to "sit," "sit up and beg," "lie down," "give me a paw," "speak" or ask "do you want a treat?" BISCUIT responds by moving its head and ears, blinking its eyes, wagging its tail and barking. BISCUIT even comes with its very own dog treat – a bone it can "chomp." 6 "D" batteries required (not included). Ages 5 and up.

Disney® Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House from Play Along®, a division of JAKKS Pacific®
Straight from everyone's favorite Disney Channel program Hannah Montana, this set is an exact replica of Hannah's real house on the show! The House includes iconic accessory pieces that are instantly recognizable, such as Hannah's unique leg table and the swing she sits on to write her music. The playset also features six different Hannah play areas, including a bedroom, kitchen, living room, closet, upstairs balcony and porch, and comes with a doll that is available exclusively at Toys"R"Us. The set includes more than 80 accessories and stickers to decorate and customize the house. No batteries required. Ages 5 to 7 years.

Disney® PIXAR U-COMMAND WALL-E from Thinkway Toys
This realistic 9-inch-tall, infrared-controlled version of WALL-E comes to life with animated motion, voice, sound and light effects as kids maneuver him forward, turn him in reverse or make him dance! They can command the easy-to-use joystick controller on this Toys"R"Us exclusive to choose from a menu of pre-selected actions, voice responses and light effects that enable over 1,000 action combos. It is easy to replicate the quirky characteristics of WALL-E by controlling his eyes and arms, turning his treads and even pressing a button to recreate signature WALL-E movie expressions. 7 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 6 and up.

Pink Tag™ Reading System from LeapFrog®
Little learners can enjoy reading in a whole new way when they use the Pink Tag Reading System. This educational tool, available in pink only at Toys"R"Us, looks like a pen and lets kids hear an entire story, individual words or play learning games when scrolling over the words or pictures in a story. Kids can choose from a 20-volume library that includes "The Little Engine That Could" and "Olivia," as well as a title available only at Toys"R"Us, the popular "Dora the Explorer: Dora Goes to School." Parents can share in their child's learning accomplishments by connecting the Tag Reading System to a computer. 2 "AAA" batteries required (not included). Ages 4 to 8 years.

Star Wars: Legacy Collection Millennium Falcon™ from Hasbro®
The fastest ship in the Star Wars galaxy roars to life in this 2 ½-foot version featuring lights, sounds and even phrases directly from the original Star Wars trilogy. Piloted by the included 3 ¾-inch scale versions of Han Solo and Chewbacca, the Millennium Falcon is ready to take kids into light speed with smuggling compartments, pivoting gunner station and room for 16 additional figures. Kids can easily play inside the ship by removing the outer panels, where they can access the medical bay to treat wounded troops or place up to four action figures in the cockpit. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 4 and up.

X-trek PRO™ Track Set from Silverlit® Electronics
Aspiring racecar drivers can test their skills on this 14.5-foot track set, built for speed and maneuverability. Kids can race the two included 1:60 scale cars using the included tri-band remote controls. Just like in a real race, the cars can enter the pit stop area for a quick recharge before getting back into gear. Kids can also remove the cars from the track between races to charge them from the remote. The set, available only at Toys"R"Us, also brings an extra level of control to R/C racing with a unique front wheel steering system. Kids looking to make a bigger and more challenging set can extend the track with any X-trek Pro track piece or set. 2 "1.2 V Ni-MH" batteries required (included) and 8 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 5 and up.

8-11 years
Bakubelt™ Action Kit from Spin Master™
Bakugan Battle Brawlers™ is the latest craze among young boys, bringing a new component to trading card game play by adding plastic marbles (Bakugan Battle Brawlers) that "explode" to reveal mini-figures when they roll onto a metal Gate Card. Now, kids can prepare for Bakugan™ battle with the newest accessory, the Bakubelt Action Kit. This Toys"R"Us exclusive Action Kit features a Bakubelt, a Bakuclip™ that allows kids to reach for their Bakugan Battle Brawlers without ever taking their eyes off the game, two Bakugan Battle Brawlers (including one exclusive Deco Bakugan), two Gate Cards and two Ability Cards. No batteries required. Ages 5 and up.

EyeClops® Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles from JAKKS Pacific®
Powered by real night vision technology, Eye Clops Night Vision goggles allow kids to see up to 50-feet away in absolute darkness. The invisible infrared illumination lets young secret agents stay hidden, while giving them the advantage of seeing their opponents in a pitch-black night. Kids can go on special missions and perform night maneuvers in their own backyards with these goggles, which are fully adjustable and padded for comfort. The spyware comes equipped with a breakaway power cord attached to a counter-weighted battery pack to ensure the high-tech fun is safe for everyone. Requires 5 "AA" batteries (not included). Ages 8 and up.

Girl Gourmet™ Cupcake Maker from JAKKS Pacific®
Now girls can whip up homemade fun as they design their own cupcakes. Children just use the pre-measured spoon to add water to their favorite batter mix, stir, pour the mix into a cupcake cup, seal the creation in the microwaveable cupcake maker and cook for 30 seconds - no baking involved! Once the cupcake cools, kids can place it on the Cupcake Froster and choose from one of four delectable flavors to top their cupcake with bakery-style frosting swirls. The set comes with everything needed to create four batches of cupcakes, including one microwave container; the Cupcake Froster; four cupcake mixes, including Red Velvet, Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate and Yellow Vanilla; four frosting mixes, including Cream Cheese, Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry; sprinkles, mixing bowl, pre-measured spoon, four cupcake cups, cupcake cup holder and two recipe cards. Microwave not included. No batteries required. Ages 8 and up.

Nickelodeon™ iCarly Webcam from Imation™
iCarly, the wildly popular sitcom on Nickelodeon®, inspires tweens everywhere to participate in the first-ever scripted series to include original kid-created content. Carly and friends host regular webcasts, asking viewers to send in their own videos and pictures to air on TV or upload to www.icarly.com. Now, with the iCarly Webcam, kids can reach for the stars. The iCarly Webcam, which is available only at Toys"R"Us, combines photo and filming to let kids capture images of themselves or create video chats right on a computer screen. The digital accessory comes complete with additional software that will help tech-savvy tweens achieve their 15-minutes of fame, including a special Digital Diary and video- or photo-editing software to help kids create and share their digital designs. Computer not included. No batteries required. Ages 5 and up. Available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide in October.

SCRABBLE® DESIGNER'S EDITION from Hasbro® Games
Tweens can get the word out with this new version of SCRABBLE, elegantly redesigned in pink hues and available only at Toys"R"Us. Offering the same classic crossword challenge, this new version features a pastel rotating gameboard, pearl-like letter tiles and an embroidered fabric pouch. Whether preparing for a girls' night in or a pink party, SCRABBLE DESIGNER'S EDITION still spells "F-U-N." No batteries required. Ages 8 and up. Available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide in October.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Twilight from LEGO Systems, Inc.
Flying straight out of the first animated Star Wars adventure and available only at Toys"R"Us, the Twilight is a temperamental but powerful starship piloted by Anakin Skywalker during his adventures in The Clone Wars. This massive LEGO® model, with 862 pieces, features retractable landing gear that is activated by moving the wing, a flick missile, a side-mounted escape pod, moveable laser cannon turrets and four minifigures including Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka, Rotta the Hutt and R2-D2. No batteries required. Ages 9 and up.

U-Dance from Hasbro®
Now, kids and tweens everywhere can show off their dance moves to some of the hottest songs with the unique and innovative U-DANCE gaming system that can be played alone, or with friends, for a challenging arcade-style face off. Completely wireless and dance-mat-free, featuring motion-sensing technology, this system allows players to act as the controller using body movements and real dance moves, such as jumping, sliding, cross-overs and more. Dancers simply plug the console into a TV, attach the wireless Motion Tags to their feet and literally step into the game, using their body as the game controller. Movements are then mirrored by ‘virtual footprints' on the TV screen. To play, dancers follow actual footprint icons as they appear on the TV to the beat of the music. The gaming system features three levels of game play for each song and popular dance music by hit artists, including Run It by Grammy-nominated pop artist Chris Brown, ABC by the Jackson 5 and Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by M.V.P. featuring C + C Music Factory. 4 "AA" batteries (not included). Ages 8 and up. Available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on October 18.

Zillions™ Pink Touch Screen ATM from Summit
Kids will enjoy learning how to manage their money with this realistic, pink mini-version of a touch screen ATM, available exclusively in pink at Toys"R"Us. This hip new take on the classic piggy bank is equipped with advanced touch-screen technology that allows kids to access their "accounts" with a personalized pin number. The ATM is programmed to distinguish real money with its bill-reading and coin recognition system, helping young penny-savers track their earnings. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 8 and up.

Big Kids iMod™ from Razor®
This sleek, motorized Eurostyle scooter, available only at Toys"R"Us, comes equipped with two full range speakers and a docking station that is compatible with all current versions of the Apple® iPod®, so kids can cruise around the neighborhood as they listen to their favorite tunes. With its white exterior, the iMod is designed to match the classic, clean look of an iPod®, while boasting 12" tires and over 10 miles of smooth cruising capability at speeds up to 15 mph on a single charge. The iMod also comes with an FM stereo so kids can tune into their favorite stations. Kids can lift the seat to reveal a special storage compartment. 2 rechargeable "12V Lead Acid" batteries required (included) and 4 "AA" batteries required (not included). Apple iPod not included. Weight limit 170 lbs. Ages 12 and up.

Pink 8GB iPod® nano from Apple®
The fourth generation iPod nano, available in pink, lets music lovers carry thousands of songs on the go with a stylish new design featuring a curved aluminum and glass enclosure. Users just plug the iPod nano into a Macintosh or Windows based computer through the USB port, connect to iTunes, load their favorite tunes or movies, and they're ready to rock. The new iPod nano lets users enjoy up to 24 hours of music playback or four hours of video playback in a single charge and is available in a wide variety of colors including pink, blue, silver and black. Users can even lightly shake the iPod nano to automatically shuffle their songs. 1 rechargeable "Lithium Ion" battery required (included). Available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on October 19.

Star Wars®: The Force Unleashed™ from LucasArts™
For the first time, videogame players can wield the full power of the Force! This entirely new chapter in the Star Wars Saga casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. Set between the largely unexplored era between Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, players will assist Vader in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi – and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny. Using the newest videogame programming technology, environments and characters react exactly as they would in the real world, offering a new level of authenticity to the game play. Players can use the Force when they purchase the game on a variety of videogame consoles including the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS and the PlayStation Portable. No batteries required. Rated "T" for "Teen."

Wii Fit™ from Nintendo®
The newest addition to the Wii gaming platform, Wii Fit takes fitness and fun to a whole new level. Players can create a dynamic, personalized workout regimen while practicing yoga, training muscles, aerobicizing or playing balance games. Users just step onto the included Wii balance board, where they can set up a personal profile and set goals, test their balance, track their progress and work out with a virtual trainer. With more than 40 fun activities and exercises to choose from, including pushups with side planks, jogging in place, heading soccer balls and swiveling their hips while hula-hooping, players will have fun as they get into shape with this unique system. The Wii Balance Board also works with additional games for added challenges. Wii console not included. 4 AA batteries required (included) Rated "E" for "Everyone."

About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 585 Toys"R"Us stores and 262 Babies"R"Us stores in the U.S., more than 693 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.

Love Lumix Leica Lenses

I'm in the process of replacing my Canon PowerShot A70 and appear to have reached an impasse! Do I stick with Canon or switch to Panasonic Lumix?

My Canon PowerShot A70 is perfectly serviceable! However, I'd like to exert a similar level of manual control, I once enjoyed at Exeter College, with PENTAX cameras! I've managed to whittle my price-sensitive choices down to the following and would welcome readers feedback:

Canon

Canon IXUS 80 IS Digital Camera
Canon proudly presents a fresh new addition to its Digital IXUS range: the Ixus 80 IS. This ultra-compact camera is available in four discreet colours that enhance the smooth curves of its casing, and is loaded with leading technologies for fun, stylish photography. The successor to the Digital Ixus 70, the Ixus 80 IS puts all of Canon's know-how to good use to bring you flawless shots. Its features include a powerful 8-megapixel CCD sensor and a DIGIC III image processor, as well as an optical stabiliser, meaning you can say bye-bye to blur. Its remarkable ISO sensitivity of up to 1600 ensures photos turn out fantastically even in low lighting conditions, while its 2.5-inch TFT screen lets you take complete control of your creations. You'll be able to explore your creative side further with its various scene modes and photo effects, including Ai-AF face detection. Thanks to this technology, the Digitax Ixus 80 IS is able to recognise up to 9 faces in a scene and smooth out shady areas. Express your creative side with professional quality snaps with the Digital Ixus 80!

Panasonic

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55EB Digital Camera
The Lumix DMC-FX55 from Panasonic is the new and improved version of the FX33, with the same Auto Intelligent technology but with a larger 3" LCD screen! Behind its stylish design, the Lumix DMC-FX55 is equipped with an 8 effective-megapixel CCD sensor and a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom, which can be expanded depending on the photo resolution. The optical zoom efficient goes up to 5.7x for 2 megapixels, allowing you to take detailed close-ups. The DMC-FX55 also includes the renowned Venus Engine III image processor and an Intelligent ISO Control mode (up to 6400 ISO sensitivity) to guarantee bright, continuous lighting even in darker environments. Meanwhile, the Mega O.I.S. optical image stabiliser counteracts camera shake to deliver clear images every time. The Lumix FX55 is also equipped with an Intelligent Auto mode that automatically adjusts the settings according to conditions so you don't have to! With the Lumix DMC-FX55, you'll have all of Panasonic's latest technologies in the palm of your hand!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera
Powerful 18x Optical Zoom, 28mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and unique Intelligent Auto Mode. The perfect choice for any photographer with varied photographic needs and high ambitions - Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new DMC-FZ18 8.1-megapixel Lumix camera, featuring a powerful 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-504mm on a 35mm film camera), newly developed 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and Panasonic's new and unique Intelligent Auto Mode. Panasonic's award-winning FZ series of Lumix cameras has been highly praised across the world, for concomitant realisation of both high performance and ease of use, and the FZ18 is no exception. Bridging the gap between high-end compacts and digital SLRs, Panasonic's DMC-FZ18 offers a level of control close to that of an SLR, but without the need for interchangeable lenses. Perfect for photographers on the move and families who want to shoot pictures outdoors for example, the FZ18 offers an easy way to enjoy the fun of capturing beautiful digital pictures.

Panasonic DMCFX500 Digital Still Camera
The DMC-FX500 features intuitive touch-screen operation on a large, 3.0-inch LCD to provide an advanced hybrid control system with both touch-screen and joystick control. In addition to the 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom, manual operation controllability give users great creative freedom. A variety of advanced functions, including Intelligent Auto mode, HD motion picture recording and HD component output, together with slideshows enhanced with music, further enrich the camera and user experience.

Canon's IS range is revered, but Panasonic's Lumix line is snapping at its heals! Many Lumix models are fitted with Leica lenses that have been developed and designed by Leica's German optics engineers but are produced in Japan and some are effectively Leica branded cameras without the brand name and with different exterior styling!

It's almost a case of change for change's sake!

Top-selling GT

Remarkable Sales Achieved In Only 10 Years And 4 Months Since The Original Gran Turismo Launched In 1997

Tokyo, May 9, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that the cumulative worldwide shipment of the Gran Turismo™ franchise, a genre-defining racing and car-life simulator available on PlayStation®, PlayStation®2, and PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment systems, has exceeded 50 million units as of April 30, 2008. This remarkable sales figure was achieved in just 10 years and 4 months since the launch of the first title in the franchise - Gran Turismo, in December 1997.

The Gran Turismo franchise, from the original Gran Turismo to the latest Gran Turismo™ 5 Prologue, has continued to evolve alongside the PlayStation platforms. With its outstanding game play, beautiful graphics and the true to life driving feel, the franchise is recognized as the world’s number one automotive game title on the PlayStation format, receiving high regard not just from game fans, but also from professional racing drivers and people in the automobile industry.

The seventh installment of the world’s best-selling racing franchise, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue introduces entirely new entertainment modes by taking advantage of the broadband network, such as online head-to head racing for up to 16 players, “GRAN TURISMO-TV”; a new in-game online channel that delivers automotive video contents from around the globe, and downloadable additional contents including new cars and courses, only possible on PS3. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has recorded strong sales since the first launch in Japan in December, 2007, followed by North America and Europe in Spring of 2008, with more than 2 million units of cumulative shipment worldwide and contributing to the further expansion of the PS3 platform.

For all Gran Turismo fans around the world, SCEI and the developer of the Gran Turismo series - Polyphony Digital Inc., will continue hereon to vigorously promote development of the Gran Turismo series, which can be expected to evolve even further through the PS3 platform and broadband network environment.

“Initially, “Gran Turismo” was an “alternative” racing game, kind of an outsider in the genre.” said Kazunori Yamauchi, Producer of Gran Turismo. “And we made it thinking that it would be okay as long as it reached out to “the select few who would agree with us”. So this figure, 50 million units - is simply astounding. If you go to a game store and look for a particular package, and pay for it at the cash register, though the time may be very brief, it still takes at least 3 minutes or so. It’s simply mind boggling and hard to believe that this has been repeated 50 million times all around the world in the last 10 years. I would really like to thank all the fans who have supported the Gran Turismo series over the years, for all their passion and love of the game. We’d like to continue making every effort to create cutting edge, high quality games, so that we don’t disappoint anyone’s expectations.

Title Release Dates in Japan

Gran Turismo December 23, 1997

Gran Turismo 2 December 11, 1999

Gran Turismo 3 A-spec April 28, 2001

Gran Turismo Concept 2001 TOKYO January 1, 2002

Gran Turismo 4 Prologue December 4, 2003

Gran Turismo 4 December 28, 2004

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue December 13, 2007

Switching Sony for Onkyo!

A few weeks ago I was perusing the What Hi-Fi? forums to ascertain whether or not the Onkyo TX-SR605 was still available and if there were any bargains to be had?

At a mouthwatering £399, the TX-SR605 garnered What Hi-Fi's most coveted Product of the Year 2007 award, and I sorely needed to replace my ageing Sony STR-DB910 A/V receiver, that had served me well for 8 years; a testament to the build quality of Sony's QS brand. Coincidentally Onkyo announced its 2008 product line, which includes the TX-SR605's replacement! The TX-SR606 at £399!

The TX-SR606 builds on the award-winning success of its sibling and, unsurprisingly, Onkyo's latest marvel has received 5 stars in What Hi-Fi's online review. That's 5 stars with caveats! The Onkyo TX-SR606 isn't the most attractive, nor musical, multichannel receiver on the market. That said, it would be most churlish not to look beyond its functional exterior, especially as the Onkyo TX-SR606 boasts features only reserved for multichannel receivers priced £1000 or higher:

Onkyo TX-SR606 specifications

Power 7x140w
Surround Modes Dolby Digital/EX/Plus/TrueHD/Pro-Logic IIx; DTS-ES/96 24/HD/Master Audio/Neo:6; LPCM; stereo
Tuner FM RDS/AM, 40 presets
Auto set-up yes
Room EQ yes
Video upconversion yes
Video scaling 720p/1080i
HDMI 1.3a yes
HD audio via HDMI yes
Learning remote no
Multiroom 2 Zone
Network capable no

Audio inputs
HDMI 4
Coaxial digital 2
Optical digital 2
Analogue audio 5
Phono no
Multichannel analogue input 8ch

Video inputs
HDMI 4
Component 2
S-Video 4
Composite 4

Audio outputs
HDMI 1
Coaxial digital no
Optical digital no
Analogue audio 2
Preouts subwoofer

Video outputs
HDMI 1
Component 1
S-Video 1
Composite 1

Dimensions (wxhxd) 43.5x17.5x37.5cm
Weight 11.4kg

Due to overwhelming consumer demand there's a waiting list for the Onkyo TX-SR606! I've paid a deposit, at a local Onkyo stockist, and will await delivery, which is expected at the end of May. I'll post a review soon thereafter.

PS3 gets DTS-HD Master Audio next week

DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO NOW AVAILABLE FOR PLAYSTATION 3 COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

ADVANCED CODEC RAISES BAR FOR HIGH DEFINITION ENTERTAINMENT

MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED BLU-RAY MOVIES / CONCERT VIDEOS FEATURING PREMIUM DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO™ SOUNDTRACKS AVAILABLE

PR for: DTS Corporate
DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSI) a digital audio technology company dedicated to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience, has announced that its DTS-HD Master Audio™ technology is now available for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. DTS-HD Master Audio is capable of delivering audio that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master at super high variable bit rates (up to 24.5 Mbps on Blu-ray™ Discs). This bit stream is so fast and the transfer rate so high that it can deliver 7.1 audio channel, 96k/24-bit sound identical to the original studio master. DTS’ single-bit-stream codec design enables supremely efficient content programming and consumer playback. PS3 can be upgradable to decode DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO by simply downloading the upcoming firmware upgrade on April 15th, 2008.

“We are extremely pleased that Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) is adding the full spectrum premium DTS-HD Master Audio codec into the PS3 so that more than 10 million owners of one of the best selling computer entertainment systems can have the best sounding, most efficient and flexible audio technology available as well,” said Brian Towne, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Division at DTS. “DTS-HD Master Audio is fast becoming the must-have feature for high definition entertainment enthusiasts.”

"PS3 was designed to enable delivery of new and improved technologies like DTS-HD Master Audio," said Teiji Yutaka, Senior Vice President, Software Platform Development, SCE. "So we are delighted to be able to offer this capability to PS3 users."

About DTS
DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSI) is a digital technology company dedicated to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience. DTS decoders are in virtually every major brand of 5.1-channel surround processor, and there are hundreds of millions of DTS-licensed consumer electronics products available worldwide. A pioneer in multi-channel audio, DTS technology is in home theatre, car audio, PC and game console products, as well as DVD-Video, Blu-ray Disc and Surround Music software. DTS audio products are featured on more than 27,000 motion picture screens worldwide. Founded in 1993, DTS is headquartered in Agoura Hills, California and has offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and China. For further information, please visit www.dts.com DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.

”PLAYSTATION” is a registered trademark, and “PS3” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which, if they do not materialize or prove correct, could cause DTS’ results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words “planned,” “expects,” “believes,” “strategy,” “opportunity,” “anticipates” and similar words. These statements may include, among others, plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding proposed new products, services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or financial or operating performance; statements of belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual growth and results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the timing, costs and attention attendant to the divesture of the non-consumer business, the transition to the next generation optical drives and consumer adoption of such technology, the rapidly changing and competitive nature of the digital audio, consumer electronics and entertainment markets, the Company’s inclusion in or exclusion from governmental and industry standards, customer acceptance of the Company’s technology, products, services and pricing, risks related to ownership and enforcement of intellectual property, the continued release and availability of entertainment content containing DTS audio soundtracks, changes in domestic and international market and political conditions, risks related to integrating acquisitions and other risks and uncertainties more fully described in DTS’ public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov. DTS does not intend to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it was made.

Press Contact for DTS:
Mark Smotroff
e5 Marketing, Inc.
415 332 0718
smotroff@pacbell.net

Get Your Motor Running - Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™

Additional special features included in the European release: 16-player online racing on PLAYSTATION®Network – a Gran Turismo first! 71 dream cars, High Definition graphics, new physics engine… and a TV channel

Tuesday March 11, 2008 – Attention all driving fans!! One of the games industry’s most legendary titles is about to make its PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) debut! That’s right - the real driving simulator that’s already sold almost 50 million units is back. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Polyphony Digital are pleased to announce Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™, a prequel title showcasing the forthcoming Gran Turismo™ 5 for PS3, will be available both on Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) on Wednesday 26 March for €39.99 (RRP), and as a download from PLAYSTATION®Network on Thursday 27 March. Launching on the same day as the standalone BD version, a PS3 bundle will be available including a PS3 40GB model, a SIXAXIS™ wireless controller and a Gran Turismo 5 Prologue game, all for just €399 (RRP).

Gran Turismo on PlayStation® is one of the most successful global gaming franchises of the last decade – renowned for its realism, quality of design and in-car physics technology. Now, with the power of PS3 behind it, it’s going to be unstoppable. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue features 71 stunning cars – including vehicles by Lotus, Aston Martin, Subaru and, making another striking appearance, Ferrari - for you to race on six seriously realistic tracks: the Eiger Nordwand; the Daytona International Speedway; the London City Track; the Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and the High Speed Ring – all drivable in two layouts and all rendered in incredible High Definition graphics. There’s also all-new driving physics for the most lifelike driving experience ever and new, improved, opponent artificial intelligence for the toughest race challenge yet.

But that’s not all – for the first time in the history of Gran Turismo, you’ll be able to race online. Thanks to PLAYSTATION Network, up to 16 players will be able to go head-to-head on some of the world’s best racetracks – all you need to get racing is a broadband connection and a PS3. Once you’re up and revving, Global Online Rankings will leave the world in no doubt as to just who is the best at Gran Turismo.

And then there’s Gran Turismo™ TV – a dedicated online channel available exclusively from PLAYSTATION Network and packed with some of the greatest content that motorsport has to offer.

And, when you’re done watching live coverage, you can take a more sedate browse through the Gran Turismo museum, where you’ll find virtual exhibits on the history of many of the world-class car marques that have starred in Gran Turismo.

Key Features:

The first ever Gran Turismo title with online racing: drive online against up to 16 other Gran Turismo aces
Race a total of 71 stunning, high-performance cars
Race the Eiger Nordwand, the Daytona International Speedway, the London City Track , the Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and the High Speed Ring - and then race them in alternative layouts
All-new physics engine means true next-generation vehicle handling
All-new and improved opponent AI opponents for a nail-biting race experience
Access to Gran Turismo TV : a world of great motoring TV programming online
In-game museum featuring the history and heritage of the top car manufacturers
My Garage - a personalised homepage feature with calendar, clock and map & weather of major race circuits worldwide
Quick Tune facility allows you to adjust power, tyres, suspension and more
All in stunning High Definition at 1080p
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Additional Features for Europe:
Drift Mode – The player’s drifting technique is measured based on drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course.
In Depth Car Tuning – Players have the ability to adjust the vehicle’s performance, including power, tyres, suspension and the ability for quick tuning whilst racing.
Two-player Split Screen Racing – Allows players to race head-to-head offline.
New Race Events – Online racing fans can join in on a new set of scheduled events and time trials.

The complete Gran Turismo 5 launches in 2009. Until then, there’s enough ultra-realistic, high-speed racing in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue on PS3 and it’s out now! To find out more, visit www.granturismoworld.com.

Sky Non Plus

For the last month I've had a persistent problem with sky+, which appears to be well documented on Digital Spy!

Input 2 kept cutting out (irrespective of weather conditions and the south facing satellite dish has a clear line of sight), which resulted in innumerable failed recordings! I swapped over the cables and input 1 stopped working! So, clearly this was not a fault with the excellent Pace PVR3 box!

After playing telephone ping pong with sky customer services, and threatening to cancel my subscription (for the umpteenth time), sky arranged for a contractor to visit gratis! He replaced my working Pace PVR3 with a brand new Thomson PVR3!

I can now record two channels, but switching from standby the internal HDD boots up 'twice' and the 'technical fault' banner disappears following the second disc spin up! The Thomson also runs quite warm and noisily! All said, it beats paying out a £100 call out charge doesn't it?

New PS3 for the masses?

New PLAYSTATION®3 Model to Take Holiday Season by Storm

Aggressively priced hardware and a terrific software line-up make for an unbeatable combination New 40GB PS3 at €399

London, 5 October 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced details of its exciting new PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) model that will launch throughout the SCEE territories on 10th October 2007 at the highly attractive price of €399.

Providing an incredibly appealing entry point to the world of High Definition gaming and entertainment for the holiday season, the new PS3 brings the next generation of interactive home entertainment to homes all across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia.

Along with an ever expanding line-up of PS3 titles (a total of 65 titles tracking across all genres by Christmas), the new PS3 is equipped with a 40GB HDD and includes all the features central to the High Definition entertainment experience; true next generation gameplay, stunning High Definition Blu-ray Disc™ movies, SIXAXIS™ wireless controller, Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity, all powered by the Cell Broadband Engine™, the digital heart of PS3.

As with the 60GB PS3, the new PS3 features upgradeable firmware allowing new features and functionality to be added to the system as time progresses. A recent firmware update, for example, enabled PS3 to upscale DVD’s played on the system to full 1080P High Definition.

The introduction of the new PS3 has been determined following user feedback from thousands of existing PS3 owners as well as research into future potential PS3 owners. The new model features two USB 2.0 ports rather than four and no longer includes the multi memory card port.

The new model is no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation®2 titles, reflecting both the reduced emphasis placed on this feature amongst later purchasers of PS3, as well as the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles (a total of 65 titles across all genres by Christmas).

The existing Starter Pack*, comprising a 60GB PS3 with extensive backwards compatibility, an additional SIXAXIS wireless controller and two first party titles will be reduced in price to €499. Remaining on sale while stocks last, the 60GB model represents outstanding value for the keen gamer wishing to upgrade to the High Definition capabilities of PS3.

“The introduction of the new PS3 has been the result of extensive research into the entertainment needs and preferences of the next generation of PS3 owners,” said David Reeves, President of SCEE. “It has allowed us to deliver an extremely advanced, yet incredibly affordable High Definition gaming and entertainment system, configured to the needs of the next generation of European PS3 owners. PS3 has always been the device of choice for the discerning gamer and entertainment seeker, and the new PS3 is more than ever the perfect High Definition entertainment system.

*In the UK and Ireland, the Starter Pack will be replaced by a separate in-store promotion on the 60GB PS3.

PLAYSTATION®3 40GB Specification
Product name PLAYSTATION®3
CPU Cell Broadband Engine™ Processor
GPU RSX™
Sound Dolby 5.1ch, DTS 5.1ch , LPCM 7.1ch, AAC,
others *1 *2
Memory 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
HDD 2.5” Serial ATA 40GB
I/O USB 2.0 x2
Communication Ethernet x1 (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX,
1000BASE-T)
IEEE 802.11 b/g Included
Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) Included
Wireless controller (Bluetooth) Included
AV Output
Screen size 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
HDMI OUT x1 *3
AV MULTI OUT x1
DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x1
BD/DVD/CD Drive
(Read Only) Maximum Read Speed BD 2x (BD-ROM)
DVD 8x (DVD-ROM)
CD 24x (CD-ROM)
Dimensions Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)
Weight Approximately 5 kg

*1 A device compatible with Linear PCM 7.1 Ch. is required to output 7.1 Ch. audio, supported by Dolby TrueHD or a similar format, from the HDMI OUT connector.
*2 This system does not support output from the DTS-HD 7.1 Ch. DTS-HD 7.1 Ch. audio is output from a 5.1 or lower channel.
*3 "Deep Color" and "x.v.Color (xvYCC)" defined by HDMI ver1.3a are supported.

PlayStation Plan

KAZUO HIRAI, PRESIDENT AND GROUP CEO OF SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT, OUTLINES PLANS FOR PLAYSTATION BUSINESS AT TOKYO GAME SHOW 2007 KEYNOTE SPEECH

Tokyo, 20 September, 2007 – At Tokyo Game Show 2007, Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), today made a keynote speech that demonstrated the strength and new plans of the PlayStation® business.

- Further Expansion of the PlayStation®2 business

In the 8th year from launch, PlayStation 2 still sees steady demands particularly in North America and Europe. Reaching the remarkable milestone of the 120 millionth shipment in the 7th year from launch, PlayStation 2 will have longer-tail business compared to its predecessor, the original PlayStation. Targeting at further expanding the business into the emerging markets, SCEI will continue to vigorously promote PlayStation 2, by introducing more and more exciting new games.

- PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), a Key Driving Force for the Growth Strategy for Overall PlayStation® Business

Strong support from users worldwide as well as abundant exciting software line-up including million seller titles from publishers around the world, have resulted in PSP hardware shipment exceeding 26 million units worldwide by June, 2007. SCEI will further enhance its portability and convenience for users along with continuous cost reduction measures to boost the expansion of the PSP platform.

➢ Introduce color variations and popular software bundled products to meet the needs of variety of users around the world.

➢ Offer users new entertainment experiences that are only possible on PSP, by enriching network content and services in addition to introducing unique peripherals such as camera, GPS, and “１Seg” TV tuner.

➢ Deploy market oriented strategies in each region.

With PSP, equipped with an overwhelmingly powerful CPU and a high resolution large LCD screen for a handheld device, SCEI will further extend the boundaries of game experiences by fully utilizing “Remote Play”. The combination of PS3 and PSP Remote Play will offer PSP users more exciting and new ways to enjoy rich interactive entertainment content especially of sports, RPG, and shooting.

- Strengthening Software Development Environment for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) along with the Introduction of More Software Titles and Unique Peripherals

SCEI will be even more supportive of third party developers by way of following measures.

➢ Share assets and know-how built up within Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS).

➢ Hold advisory board in periodical basis to get feedback from publishers.

➢ Implement various strategies and sharing of information to enhance efficiency in games development.

➢ Share SN Systems tool chain.

In a strategic move to secure excellence in games development for current and future PlayStation platforms, SCEI have acquired leading game developer Evolution Studios Ltd. and its subsidiary Bigbig studios Ltd., to further expand its games development capability as part of SCE WWS.

Continuous cost reduction efforts including shrinking the chip size and reducing the number of components. Cost reduction of hardware is one of the most important challenges for our business and SCEI will further accelerate this effort.

SCEI will continue R&D efforts to accommodate to users’ demand. As part of such efforts, SCEI today announced DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller, a new controller for PS3 incorporating a rumble feature, to become available in Japan in November as a separately sold accessory. It inherits the basic design and functionality of the popular PlayStation controller, while keeping the motion sensitive six-axis sensing system. Introduction to North American and European markets is expected in spring 2008.

- Creation of New Business Opportunities Suitable for the Network Era

More than 2.7 million users worldwide have gone on-line with PS3. The number of users that are on-line is steadily increasing, enjoying the latest PS3 network games as well as exchanging messages and video chatting on-line.

➢ Gran Turismo™5 Prologue will be available both on Blu-ray Disc and as a downloadable content from PLAYSTATION®Network on December 13th in the Japanese market. Gran Turismo™5 Prologue presents a new life style beyond traditional game experiences such as on-line car dealers and “GT.TV”, an in-game service for the distribution of car programs.

➢PLAYSTATION®Home

PLAYSTATION Home, a 3D on-line user community service, is currently under development to be launched in spring 2008.

➢ PLAYSTATION®Store in Japan offers more than 500 entertainment content including more than 30 of downloadable new games and demos, more than 300 of add-on game content, more than 100 “Game Archives” titles for PSP/PS3 and about 90 movie trailers.

➢ SCEI today opened PLAYSTATION®Store on PC in Japan which enables PSP users to download a wide variety of digital entertainment content available on PLAYSTATION Network via their PC.

- Future Possibility for PS3

With the participation of PS3 incorporating super computer-like powerful Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.)– and what will be even more powerful when connected to the network – , Stanford University’s Folding@home™ program achieved a total computing power of 1 petaflop at a single moment, of which 80% calculation was contributed by PS3 users.

With PS3, equipped with this powerful Cell/B.E. as well as other state-of-the-art technology such as full HD capability and Blu-ray, SCEI will continue to expand a new world of interactive entertainment.

Dualshock®3

DUALSHOCK®3 WIRELESS CONTROLLER WITH RUMBLE FEATURE TO BE INTRODUCED FOR PLAYSTATION®3

Tokyo, September 20, 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it would release DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller, a new controller for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) incorporating a rumble feature, in Japan in November as a separately sold accessory. It inherits the basic design and functionality of the popular PlayStation® controller, while keeping the high-precision, high response motion sensitive six-axis sensing system. Introduction to North American and European markets is expected in spring 2008.

The added rumble feature, combined with the highly realistic motion sensitive six-axis sensing system, takes gamers deeper into the world of interactivity, delivering a more intuitive, realistic and immersive game play experience. The new controller will also benefit PS3 content creators, by giving them the ability to further expand their creative imagination. PS3 titles that are already in the market may become compatible with the rumble feature through software update.

With DUALSHOCK 3 and the attractive lineup of PS3 titles incorporating the rumble feature, SCEI will introduce more new ways of enjoyment that can only be found on PS3, and will further redefine the world of entertainment.

LIST OF PLAYSTATION®3 TITLES COMPATIBLE WITH DUALSHOCK®3 IN JAPAN

As of September 20th, 2007

(in alphabetical order of company name)

Title Name Developer/Publisher

Vampire Rain -Altered Species AQ INTERACTIVE Inc.

BIOHAZARD® 5 CAPCOM CO.,LTD.

Devil May Cry® 4 CAPCOM CO.,LTD.

Dark Sector D3 PUBLISHER Inc.

Burnout Paradise ELECTRONIC ARTS K.K.

FIFA franchise (title name TBD) ELECTRONIC ARTS K.K.

BUMPY TROT2 IREM SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INC.

Dynasty Warriors 6 KOEI Co., Ltd.

Fatal Inertia KOEI Co., Ltd.

GI JOCKEY 4 2007 KOEI Co., Ltd.

METAL GEAR ONLINE Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.

METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.

IMABIKISOU SEGA CORPORATION

Blast Factor (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

echochrome Sony Computer Entertainment

Folklore (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

Go! Sports Ski (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

Heavenly Sword (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

MotorStorm (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Sony Computer Entertainment

Resistance: Fall of Men (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

Super Stardust HD (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

TOY HOME Sony Computer Entertainment

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Sony Computer Entertainment

Warhawk (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

LIST OF PLAYSTATION®3 TITLES COMPATIBLE WITH DUALSHOCK®3 IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE *2

As of September 20th, 2007

(in alphabetical order of company name)

Title Name Developer/Publisher

The Darkness 2K Games

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Activision

Soldier of Fortune Activision

BIOHAZARD® 5 CAPCOM

Devil May Cry® 4 CAPCOM

N-Cube Creat Studios

Warbit Creat Studios

Dark Sector D3 PUBLISHER

Turok Disney Interactive

Highlander Eidos

Kane & Lynch: Dead Men Eidos

Burnout Paradise ELECTRONIC ARTS

FIFA franchise (title name TBD) ELECTRONIC ARTS

Legendary: The Box Gamecock

To End All Wars Ghostlight

RAGE id Software

WarDevil – Unleash the Beast Within Ignition Entertainment

Dynasty Warriors 6 KOEI

Fatal Inertia KOEI

METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS Konami

Blacksite: Area 51 Midway

TNA Wrestling Midway

Unreal Tournament 3 Midway

Wheelman Midway

Cops (codename, title name TBD) Pyro

Planet One (codename, title name TBD) Pyro

Heroes over Europe Red Mile Entertainment

Condemned 2 SEGA

Iron Man SEGA

The Club SEGA

The Crucible SEGA

The Incredible Hulk SEGA

Blast Factor (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

echochrome Sony Computer Entertainment

Elefunk Sony Computer Entertainment

Folklore (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

Go! Sports Ski (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

Heavenly Sword (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

High Velocity Bowling Sony Computer Entertainment

MLB 08: The Show Sony Computer Entertainment

MotorStorm (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

NBA 08 (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

PAIN Sony Computer Entertainment

Rat Race Sony Computer Entertainment

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Sony Computer Entertainment

Resistance: Fall of Man (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

Snakeball Sony Computer Entertainment

SOCOM: Confrontation Sony Computer Entertainment

Super Stardust HD (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

TOY HOME Sony Computer Entertainment

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Sony Computer Entertainment

Warhawk (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

WipEout HD Sony Computer Entertainment

GirpShift® Sony Online Entertainment

NBA 2K8 Take Two Sports

Destroy All Humans 3 THQ

Stuntman Ignition THQ

Assassin’s Creed UbiSoft

BEOWULF UbiSoft

HAZE UbiSoft

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (*1) UbiSoft

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas (*1) UbiSoft

Prototype Vivendi Games

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena Vivendi Games

*1　 Users will be able to enjoy the rumble feature through software update.

*2　Actual titles to be released may vary among countries and regions.

Touch Me (All Night Long)

Pre-ordered an iPod touch 16GB model! Well, how could I resist its consummate gorgeousness? The form factor eclipses even Sony's PSP, which I predominantly used for Wi-Fi web surfing and not gaming!

I believe that the launch of iPod touch is profoundly more important than even the iPhone and the iPod touch will become the "must-have" holiday season gift! Why? Because it's the summation of the direction that Apple Newton, or simply Newton, alluded to prior to Steve Jobs' decision to cancel the company's personal digital assistant (PDA) product line in 1997!

A decade on and Newton OS has been replaced by Mac OS X in Apple's newest PDA family.

Wii Board

Have you downloaded Wii firmware 3.0E, via software update, yet? If not, you're missing out on the following improvements and today's fix for the Opera browser and Wii LAN Adapter stability!

Channels:
*Digital Clock added to the Wii Menu right under the channel bar
*Forecast Channel now displays the current condition directly in the Wii Menu in the Forecast Channel box
*News Channel can now show 2 scrolling headlines at a time in the Wii Menu, 3 when you click on the button
*Message Board now has the "Today's Accomplishments" message as a white message which allows it to stand out from other messages
*Address Book entries can now be shifted around using A+B but only to empty spaces.
*Calendar in Message Board no longer shows "Today's Accomplishment"
*Scrolling messages in the Message Board now uses a different sound

Wii Shop Channel
*New Welcome screen detailing 4 Recommended Titles and the points they cost. The title bar can be clicked on to bring up a list of 20 recommended games.
*Titles You've Downloaded was moved to the main shop menu
*New ways to browse
*Popular Titles
*Newest Additions remains the same
*Search for a title which can use partial names
*Search by Category
*Search by Publisher
*Search by Genre
*System shows the different systems and how many titles have been released under each

Settings
Pre-system update warning details that technically modified consoles may cease to function upon being updated. Also the only way to not accept an update is to power down the console by holding the button for 4 seconds.

The most exciting unconfirmed development, specifically for peripheral junkies, is purported support for a USB keyboard within the Wii Shop! Time to connect my Apple keyboard to Wii.

Firmware fillip for PS3

PS3 Firmware Version 1.80 Announced

Latest PLAYSTATION 3 Firmware Update Provides PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and DVD Upscaling Remote Play on PSP (PlayStation Portable) via the Internet and DLNA transfer of media content also enabled

London, 24 May 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) firmware. Version 1.80 features upscaling of PlayStation® and PlayStation 2 games, and DVD movies up to full 1080p HD resolution when viewed on a compatible HD TV set.

The capability to upscale DVDs to HD quality is a feature normally only associated with top range DVD players, and its inclusion in the latest firmware upgrade now allows PS3 owners with an existing DVD collection to dramatically enhance the viewing pleasure of their DVD collection when viewed through a compatible HD TV set1. Not only can DVD movies be enhanced to full 1080p HD quality but so too will PlayStation 2 and PlayStation games be upscaled to provide much improved gaming pleasure.

In a comprehensive update to PS3’s already impressive capabilities, Version 1.80 also allows users to enjoy Remote Play on their PSP across the internet, allowing them to access their PS3 anywhere in the world where a broadband internet connection is available2.

Version 1.80 also allows users on a home network to seamlessly view and play rich media content such as images, music and video on their PS3, that is stored on their DLNA3 enabled devices such as PCs and laptops elsewhere in the house, reinforcing PS3’s credentials as a home entertainment hub that truly deserves pride of place in the Living Room.

A host of other enhancements include the ability to print photo images stored on PS3’s hard disk or inserted storage media to a selection of Epson printers.

PS3 owners will be able to upgrade their PS3 with the latest Version 1.80 firmware from 24th May 2007.

In related news. The PlayStation 3 shot to the top spot on Amazon.co.uk's Hot 100, bolstered by last week's Sony Gamer's Day.

Notes

1. DVD-ROM (including DVD Video content) can only be upscaled with HDMI compatible TV sets.

2. Use of Remote Play requires a powered up PS3 with Version 1.80 as well as PSP firmware version 3.50 which will be available at the end of May.

3. DLNA – Digital Living Network Alliance.

"Come on City!"

Despite being unable to find a QuickTime codec to view .3gp digital video clips (recorded using my LG Chocolate mobile phone), I've successfully uploaded footage, taken from the Conference "play-off" final held at the new Wembley Stadium, to YouTube!



This clip captures the moment that Lee Phillips scored Exeter City FC's first, and only, goal during their epic clash with Morecombe.

Mario Strikers Charged (Wii) is aptly released this week!

Greg Martin

It's very rare that I am compelled to draw a desktop wallpaper artist - this is, indeed, the very first time - to your attention!

Jason Wishnov, a writer for Nintendo Wii Fanboy, recommended the works of illustrator, photographer and writer (to name but a few disciplines mastered by this eclectic digital artist) Greg Martin. I followed Jason's incomparable advice and was overwhelmed by Greg Martin's mesmeric depictions of the cosmos and fantasia, lavished with Photoshop magic! His sumptuous wallpapers now grace my Intel-based iMac's desktop.

If any readers would like to suggest other desktop artists and be in with the chance to receive a Joost invite, please leave a comment.

BBC iPlayer on iMac soon

BBC new media boss confirms Mac support for BBC online plans "a priority".

A sustained voting campaign by Mac users, demanding that the BBC support the platform by ensuring its online iPlayer broadcasts support the Mac may, has achieved modest success, the BBC reports.

The BBC has been developing its yet-to-launch iPlayer service, an online service offering UK license-payers catch-up TV via the web and cable TV. It's expected to launch later this year and competes with Sky Anytime (currently only available to PC users).

While the BBC has always claimed a "platform-agnostic" agenda, the service, as is, has only offered support for Windows systems – but this seems set to change.

"The BBC's proposed iPlayer service, offering catch-up TV via the web and cable TV, would be re-engineered to work with Apple Macs and would eventually roll out to digital terrestrial TV (DTT) and set-top boxes," said BBC Head of Futures Ashley Highfield at an industry event in Cannes.

He slammed Apple's "proprietary and closed framework for DRM", but stressed: "It's one of our top priorities to re-engineer our proposed BBC iPlayer service to work on Macs."

The BBC also plans to open up its vast archive of video and audio in an on-demand trial involving over 20,000 people in the UK, Highfield said.

The aim and objective is that any viewer will be able to access any BBC show ever broadcast using their TV or online service. This can only be achieved within an open and transparent content delivery paradigm.

Black Box

Microsoft Unveils Xbox 360 Elite

Premium black console includes 120GB hard drive and line of new accessories.

REDMOND, Wash. - March 27, 2007 - Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming availability of Xbox 360™ Elite, a new model of the video game and entertainment system that will include a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE® headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory to give current Xbox 360 owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience. Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery, will be available separately. The Xbox 360 Elite and its accessories are expected to begin arriving in U.S. stores on April 29.

"Today's games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "Xbox 360 Elite's larger hard drive and premium accessories will allow our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer."

Distinguished by its black finish and signature metallic detailing, Xbox 360 Elite will have an estimated retail price1 of $479.99 (U.S.)/479.99 euros/349.99 pounds, and will come packed with components and accessories for the ultimate high-definition entertainment experience.

· Xbox 360 Elite console. The console is equipped with a premium black finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing the best in HD entertainment (up to 1080p), 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, HDMI output and DVD playback with upscaling capabilities right out of the box.

· Xbox 360 120GB hard drive. The 120GB detachable hard drive allows gamers to save their games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.3 The hard drive is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $179.99 (U.S.)/179.99 euros/119.99 pounds.

· Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black). This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller, now in black, features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of 30 hours on two AA batteries. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.)/44.99 euros/32.99 pounds.

· Xbox 360 headset (black). Now available in black, the headset lets gamers strategize or trade taunts while playing games and send voice messages to friends on Xbox LIVE.

· Xbox 360 HDMI cable. New to Xbox 360, HDMI allows consumers to get HD video (up to 1080p) and multichannel surround sound, all from one cable.

· Xbox LIVE Silver Membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, collect achievements and gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox LIVE Marketplace content such as game demos, HD movies and TV, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox LIVE Arcade.

· One-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold. An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Those who subscribe to this premium service can engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, tailor their matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, chat with more than one person at a time, and take advantage of unique privileges in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Xbox LIVE Arcade.

The following accessories for the Xbox 360 Elite console will only be sold separately:

· Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit. Complete with a charging cable and a black rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit allows gamers to recharge their Xbox 360 Wireless Controller without interrupting their gameplay. it is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $19.99 (U.S.)/19.99 euros/14.99 pounds.

· Xbox 360 rechargeable battery (black). The rechargeable battery pack provides more than 25 hours of gameplay per charge. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $11.99 (U.S.)/11.99 euros/9.99 pounds.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a catalog of more than 160 high-definition games and is available in 37 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

The Xbox 360 Elite should appear on European retail shelves as early as the summer.

Portable Powerhouse

Today I'm selling my White PSP Console Value pack and video games on eBay!

Manufacturer's Description
The era of no-compromises handheld gaming has arrived. Get ready for immersive, 3D gaming on a console that is poised to change the way we think about portable devices. With wireless internet, video and digital music playback, and incredible data storage and connectivity options, the Sony PSP--or PlayStation Portable--is a complete solution for the mobile digital lifestyle. Sony has hit the mark by combining both horsepower and groundbreaking features into a package that weighs just a hair more than half a pound.

Design
The PSP's exceptional performance comes from a 333 MHz processor that dwarfs the speed of competing handheld consoles. Add this polygon-pushing muscle to 4 MB of fast DRAM and 32 MB of embedded RAM, and you've got a device with graphics rendering capabilities close to that of the PlayStation2. And because no game is complete without audio, the PSP is generously appointed with built-in stereo speakers, as well Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound capability. Sony has also pulled out all the stops with the PSP display. The bright, 4.3-inch LCD sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution--plenty of real estate for heavy gaming action and widescreen-format movies. All of this is powered by a removable, and rechargeable, lithium-ion battery.

From a controls perspective, the PSP is made for gaming. If you're familiar with a PlayStation controller, you'll be a pro at the PSP's controls in no time. Directional buttons, as well as an analog stick are provided. Meanwhile, the familiar left and right shoulder buttons, as well as triangle, circle, cross and square buttons are integrated into the device's slim case. Finally, home, select, and start buttons give you quick access and control over the PSP's important functions.

Supported Media
At the heart of the PSP is a new, proprietary media format known as the Universal Media Disc, or UMD. Each UMD can hold 1.8 GB of data, enough room for rich and complex games. UMDs, which are housed in a protective cover, slide into the rear of the PSP. Sony has declared the UMD an open format for developers and media content owners, so movies, music and other media are on the horizon from third parties. Sony has also signed on many popular game developers for the platform, so a deep library of titles is on tap.

While the UMD is great for read-only media such as games and movies, Sony solves the problem of data storage with the addition of a Memory Stick Duo slot. With Memory Stick Duo media, you can store your saved games, downloaded online content, personal video and audio files, and more. When you want access to these files from your PC, simply use the PSP's USB 2.0 port to turn the device into a fast portable media drive. Then, drag and drop files such as your photos, MP3s, and videos onto the PSP, just as you would any other removable storage device. The PSP ships with a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, and additional media with higher storage capacities are available.

Connectivity
The PSP blows away the competition in the connectivity department. Indeed, the PSP's ability to connect to the internet, and to other PSPs and USB-based peripherals, is a real advantage. At the top of the list is Wifi connectivity, or IEEE 801.11b. Use this wireless internet standard to connect to other gamers around the world for hot multiplayer action--all from your couch, or your local Wifi hotspot. As mentioned, the PSP's USB 2.0 port is great for PC connectivity, but it also opens the PSP up for a whole range of future peripherals. Sony has plans for the PSP in other ways, too; the unit's infrared port speaks of remote control capabilities in the near future.

A Digital Companion
If you haven't already guessed, Sony has positioned the PSP to be much more than a gaming device. Out of the box, the device is ready to serve as a portable video player and photo viewer. By using the new H.264 MPEG-4 video standard, Sony obviously has its eyes on making the PSP a robust video device with support for feature length movies and more. In addition, the PSP offers a great way to transport and share your photos in JPEG format. And let's not forget the music. Load up your favorite MP3-encoded songs onto a Memory Stick Duo and you've got a portable audio powerhouse. The device also supports Sony's ATRAC audio codec, so you can play songs acquired from Sony's Connect Online Music Store. Sony even ships a nifty pair of earbuds--complete with an inline remote control-- with the PSP.

Box Contents

PSP device
AC adapter
battery pack
32 MB Memory Stick Duo
earbud headphones with remote control
Soft case
Hand strap

I'm also including the following video games and accessories:

WipeOut Pure
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins
Tekken Dark Resurrection
Killzone: Liberation

PSP carry case

Players Kit for use with White Sony PSP (includes USB Charger & Data splitter cable compatible with Mac OS X & Microsoft Windows)

Happy bidding.

Up Close with PS3

Digital Spy's David Gibbon has undertaken an exhaustive editorial (cynics would argue an advertorial) on the PlayStation 3 and I've included an extract (and link to the full review) for those readers who may still be undecided as to whether or not they can justify a purchase.

On March 23, Britain will see the launch of the latest and undoubtedly the greatest video game console ever as Sony bring the PlayStation 3 to its most technology-led customers yet.

Already on sale in Japan and America, the system has been doing most notably well in the States. And in the UK, despite the high asking price of £425, there’s huge anticipation building up to the launch with most electrical retailers promoting pre-order deals as gamers keen to buy the most technically advanced console on the market sign on the dotted line.

We have managed to get our hands on a PlayStation 3 before it goes on sale so here we take a close-up look at the system and reveal whether we believe the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 will be the outright winner in the battle of the consoles...

To read the rest of the review please visit Digital Spy.

The 'cruncher', which lead to the cancellation of my PlayStation 3 pre-order, was the glaring omission of multi-region DVD playback. Oh well, I'm off to peruse Play.com and muse over whether or not I should replace my aging Sony Ericsson T310 mobile with an LG Chocolate KG800 or wait for Apple's delicious iPhone?