Sony has 'no plans for a PS3 price drop,' calls rumors 'false'

That PlayStation 3 price drop rumored to be coming tomorrow? Not happening, according to Sony. In a statement given to Joystiq, SCEA public relations manager Al De Leon says, "we do not have plans for a PS3 price drop, and any rumors to that effect are false and are the result of speculation." Although we wouldn't put it past the company to deny it up until the second before an official announcement, we seriously doubt Sony would announce any sort of price cut on the day it's most likely to get drowned out by fake PSP2 mockups. No word on that speculated $100 PS2, but we wouldn't get our hopes up here, either.

All those rumors of a PS3 price drop, like as soon as tomorrow? There's absolutely nothing to them according to Sony, who has contacted Joystiq.com with an official comment on the matter.

"As we have stated previously, we do not have plans for a PS3 price drop, and any rumors to that effect are false and are the result of speculation," the statement from SCEA public relations manager Al De Leon reads. "SCEA remains focused on the long-term momentum of PS3. With the industry's best software lineup this year, combined with our most aggressive marketing campaign to date, we remain confident in our approach and the value we're delivering with PS3."

Sony's reaction to increasing expectations of an imminent PS3 price drop is interesting; it's not the usual "we don't comment on rumors and speculation." By blatantly stating there won't be one, the company may be trying to manage expectations (note that it hasn't denied a possible PS2 price cut). Also, if it were to announce a price drop one day after issuing this clear denial, it would draw considerable investor ire. Then again, if a reduced price for the console isn't announced relatively soon, it risks upsetting not only shareholders, but retailers and publishers as well.

by Randy Nelson Jostiq.com { Mar 30th 2009 at 3:00PM }

OnLive Video

Below is a video from IGN of the OnLive interface. It looks AWESOME!

Cloud Based Gaming (But GOOD!) with OnLive

Cnet is running a piece today on a new service called "OnLive".

This service (which is due to be officially announced later today at GDC) will do away with traditional consoles and high-end gamer PC's.

Essentially OnLive "Streams" the games to either PC, MAC or TV (via a nifty little plugin device they have).

Seemingly it will allow you to run High end games on ANY PC or MAC. What will make the difference it your broadband connection.

"Broadband connections of 1.5Mbps dials the image quality down to Wii levels while 4-5Mbps pipes are required for HD resolution."

This sounds like an incredibly interesting service and could potentially overhaul the gaming sector if it actually works. It would also get rid of the PC / MAC gaming divide!

Check out the full story HERE and we'll be sure to have more info as soon as it breaks later today!

Iron Man vs. Bruce Lee (that's all that needs to be said!)

OK, this is AWESOME. Some incredible stop motion animation! Click the HD button to get the fully quality and enjoy!

Vodafone and O2 to share networks!

Vodafone and O2 (Telefonica) have just announced that they have entered into a network sharing agreement which will see it's networks in Ireland, UK, Germany and Spain sharing networks and working together on future upgrades. Some of the benifits of this agreement are:

Offer enhanced quality of service levels within the network footprint to improve customers’ mobile experience as well as support the delivery of services such as mobile broadband to a greater number of customers across a wider coverage area

Reduce the environmental impact of the network by lowering the number of sites required by each company

Reduce network operating costs

Continue to manage their traffic independently

Jointly build new sites where opportunities exist

The full press release can be found HERE:

Remembering Stuff about the Internet (According to Microsoft)

Quite a funny video put together by Microsoft for the launch of IE8 (oh yeah, that came out of Beta yesterday)

The Trouble with Twitters!

Bioware Announces Mass Effect 2 for release in 2010

Bioware yesterday (March 17^th) Announced the “Dark Second Chapter” to the 2008 Xbox360 Smash Hit, Mass Effect 2.

“We’re going to surpass the extraordinary gaming experience we brought our fans in Mass Effect” Bioware said.

The full press release follows:

BIOWARE ANNOUNCES MASS EFFECT 2

The Dark Second Chapter to the Epic Science-Fiction Trilogy
– Coming Early 2010 for Windows PC and Xbox 360

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (March 17th, 2009) – Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today officially announced Mass Effect™ 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the multi award-winning 2007 hit, Mass Effect. The Mass Effect trilogy is a masterful science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life forms and mysterious uncharted planets. In this dark second chapter, Saren's evil army of Geth soldiers has just been defeated, and humans, who are still struggling to make their mark on the galactic stage, are now faced with an even greater peril...

"We're going to surpass the extraordinary gaming experience we brought our fans in Mass Effect by delivering intensified combat and expanded weapon options as well as increased depth of planet exploration, all while delivering a powerful, emotionally engaging story," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, General Manager and CEO, BioWare and General Manager and Vice President, EA. "Mass Effect 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable RPG–shooter experience, taking players on a non-stop roller-coaster ride filled with stunning plot twists and no–holds–barred action."

Mass Effect 2 is coming to PC and the Xbox 360 video game system in Early 2010. To see the exclusive new Mass Effect 2 teaser trailer check out the website here: www.masseffect.com

About BioWare

BioWare develops computer, console, handheld, mobile and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles, including the award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™ and Sonic™ Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (for the Nintendo DS™). Original BioWare-created intellectual properties include Jade Empire™ and the 2007 Game of the Year, Mass Effect™. With studios in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec), and Austin (Texas), BioWare is hard at work on the epic fantasy roleplaying game, Dragon Age™: Origins, Mass Effect 2™, the epic sequel to Mass Effect, and the story-driven massively multiplayer game, Star Wars®: The Old Republic™, as well as several unannounced projects. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by the world's leading electronic entertainment publisher, Electronic Arts. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS Freestyle™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

*BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Blueprint for iPhone OS 3.0 Preview released

On March 17, Apple presented the blueprint for iPhone OS 3.0, the next version of the world’s most advanced mobile platform. In addition to previewing its innovative features, Apple gave members of the iPhone Developer Program immediate access to the iPhone OS 3.0 software beta and an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,000 completely new APIs.

Learn about the new SDK and get a sneak peek at iPhone OS 3.0 software.

CLICK PIC ABOVE FOR VIDEO

Advance preview of 100 new features.

For iPhone owners, it just keeps getting better. When iPhone OS 3.0 arrives this summer, it will introduce over 100 new features, including the ability to:

• Search your iPhone
• Cut, copy, and paste
• Send photos, contacts, audio files, and location via MMS*
• Read and compose email and text messages in landscape

1,000 new APIs for developers.

With the new SDK, members of the iPhone Developer Program can build applications that do even more. Developers will have the tools to enable in-app purchases — like subscriptions, additional game levels, and new content. They can also create apps that connect peer to peer via Bluetooth, communicate with hardware accessories, and use the Apple Push Notification service to provide alerts.

Street Fighter 2009 - Cast not exactly gamers..lol

Halo Macgyver - Techtv101 style!!!

Xbox allows you to free your avatar!!!!! Check out the Techtv101 Team!! lol

Microsoft has launched a new feature that allows you to create customised images starring your very own Xbox Live avatar.

Using the Free Your Avatar tool, you can choose from a range of backdrops and props such as birthday scenes, party hats and balloons. A special range of romantically-themed stuff is currently available for obvious topical reasons.

Plus you can upload your own backdrops and stick your avatar in front of the Eiffel tower, say, or on Catford Island. You can also "insert your avatars into your favourite movie scene", perhaps one starring your favourite tv star.

Once you've created your image, you can send it as an ecard. It's The Future, you know.

You can start mucking about with Free Your Avatar right now via Xbox Live, or over at Xbox.com.

The Credit Crunch Explained!! Graphically..

New Apple Ipod Shuffle Talks To You!

VoiceOver is the exciting new feature that makes iPod shuffle the first music player that talks to you. It entirely changes the way you browse and navigate your music. Say you’re listening to a song and want to know the title or the artist. With the press of a button, VoiceOver tells you — without interrupting your music.

But the fun doesn’t stop with songs. For the first time ever on an iPod shuffle, you can have multiple playlists, because VoiceOver announces their names, too. So you can easily find the right mix without taking your eyes off your run, your ride or whatever you’re doing. Neat!!

Priced at €75 including VAT, the new 4GB shuffle holds up to 1,000 songs

EDGE Lite now available on the iPhone/iPod Touch

If you haven't already bought EDGE for the iPhone / iPod Touch, now is your chance. Mobigame have just released a "Lite" version that features 5 of the full versions 43 levels. Check out the video below:

Google Street View Cars Spotted in Dublin!

Twitter user, and Gadgetrepublic guru, PixieVonDust just posted these Google StreetView Cars taken outside the Google HQ in Dublin. It's about time Google Street View'd Dublin. It is their EU HQ after all!

Metal Gear Solid for iPhone / iPod Touch to be Released on the 19th March

Metal Gear Solid is to be released on the iPhone on Thursday next, the 19th March.
While this is exciting news for Metal Gear fans, it's not the game people were hoping it would be.
The "other" version (available on the N-Series Nokia devices) is a fully 3D title where you ontrol Snake from a 3rd person point of view. Think of it like the PS1 Title on the phone.
This Apple version is pretty much a modern Duck Hut / Wak'a'Mole!
I hope to review it soon and come back with a final judgement when i do!

Firefox 3.1 Beta 3 is out!

Go Check it out (even more so if you're on a Mac, there's some great feature in the 3.1 Betas!)

It can be found here.

Techtv101.com Show 1

Here are the 4 segments of the current episode from TechTV101.com:

Jon Favreau on the set of Iron Man 2!

(NOTE: Tried to add the pic, but link kept breaking, so here's the direct link:
http://twitpic.com/1ze7q )

Jon Favreau just posted a pic on his twitter of him on a half constructed set of Iron Man 2.
Nice to see the movie is under way and this is one I'm excited to see, especially after how good the original Iron Man turned out!

iPhone OS 3.0

Apple will be showing the iPhone OS 3.0 at an event on Tuesday 17th March.

No details yet as to whats new (i doubt a hardware keyboard some how!)

Check out the info on 9to5mac.com

O2 and the Palm Pre

The most recent rumors suggest that Telefonica (O2's parent company) will get the Palm Pre on exclusive.

This has slightly ticked me off if it turns out to be true. O2 already have the iPhone and I feel (and hope) that Vodafone fought tooth and nail to get the Pre.

It's the only real phone in the pipeline that could actually fully compete with the iPhone (I'm declaring here that I don't have an iPhone, nor do i want one. It's too flawed!. I'll talk more about that another time!).

One of the reasons I'm hoping for the Pre to hit Vodafone, is that here in Ireland, I'm on Vodafone and while some people don't like Vodafone here, I do. I've always had great service and coverage. Their product line up is getting better and their Tariffs are pretty good as well (and i'm constantly getting nice promo add-on's cause I use my phone so much, so that helps).

I don't like O2, never have (and i used to work for them). I just feel their network is second rate as is their tariffs and customer service. This is all personal opinion, but regardless, i really hope Vodafone announces the Pre. We may find more more today as Palm are showing off more features of the Pre in an event later today in the US.

iPod Shuffle (3rd Gen)

Apple unleashed the 3rd Gen iPod Shuffle yesterday and I've currently got some concerns about it.

From what I can tell there's no way to play the music with out the "special" headphones with the remote on the cord.

There are only a couple of these type of headphones currently available and from that i can see they are a bit on the expensive.

So i get it that these are really designed for the Gym / running / exercise based activities, but that's not saying you wouldn't have it with you at a party.

what happens if you want to play a track off it. I can't see any way you can (and correct me if i'm wrong!). You need the remote to play, pause etc!

Anyway, I'm going to reserve further judgement until i get some hands on time with one!

In a related note, Apple released iTunes 8.1 this morning that adds a few new features... Apple DJ to name one. It also supposedly runs and boots faster (thankfully, mine was currently taking nearly 1min to boot!)

New Touchscreen Dell

So Dell just announced this new 19" Studio One (Press Release Here)

I'm not sure what to think about these Touch Screen Desktops. Are they really going to be that useful? I can understand a tablet pc, or even something like iPhone / iPod Touch, but me, if i'm sitting at my desk I don't what to have to be touching the screen to navigate. Purely from an ergonomic point of view, this can't be good for you!

Let me know what you think. I'll update here once I find out more!

First Show Online!!

So the First Show is online.

Pop over to www.techtv101.com and have a look.

Leave some comments and let us know what you think!

You can also catch the show (broken up into segments) on Youtube

10 Best Geek Shows on TV right now...

Maclife just posted a piece on the top 10 Best Geek Shows on TV right now...

Go have a look and leave a comment as to what you think!

http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/10_best_geek_shows_tv_now