In The states there has been a full page ad for Accordion Hero II. My curiosity lead me to the web site address listed on the ad, which was actually a very professional looking, well designed ad. Arriving at the site we quickly determined that this is all obviously a big joke, complete with very convincing 3D renders of the Accordion Hero II package, as well as a scary screen shot from the game. HeHe how cool would his be eh??
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sky Player to hit XBOX360 this Autum!!!!! OMFG!
i currently use the Sky Player.. the live stream is really handy during lunch in work, and the live streaming movies are great when there's nothing on the TV. It's been a bit of a hassle getting it on the TV (hooking up PC / Laptop to TV and all that jazz), but this is going to make it soo much easier!
There are not prices or exact launch date yet, but this is one to watch out for!!
TechRadar.co.uk had a Q&A Session and got some questions answered, you can see that HERE
PRESS RELEASE:
Xbox 360 Joins Forces with Sky to Offer First Ever Console-Based Live TV Service
LONDON & DUBLIN - 28 May 2009: Millions of entertainment fans will soon have the way they watch TV transformed, as Xbox 360 and Sky announce a ground-breaking partnership which will enable, for the first time ever, premium live television to be watched through a games console.
In a UK and Ireland first, Sky Player, Sky’s online TV service, will come to Xbox LIVE in the autumn, allowing Xbox owners to access a range of channels and programmes to either view live or on-demand.
Details of the full channel line-up will be revealed closer to launch, but it is anticipated that Xbox LIVE users will be able to access blockbuster movies, must-see entertainment shows, thought-provoking documentaries, programming dedicated to kids, music and the arts, as well as all the excitement of Premier League football, Test Match cricket and a wide variety of other sports through Sky Sports.
The news, officially unveiled today in Central London by Sky Sports News Georgie Thompson, reveals there will be a number of viewing options.
For a new customer joining Sky through their Xbox, Sky Player will offer a wide range of live channels and on-demand content via a number of different packages. These customers will also be able to access their favourite shows on a pay-per-view basis.
Existing Sky customers who already own an Xbox will benefit from another way to view their favourite shows, in addition to their Sky set-top box and PC or Mac
There will be a range of unique interactive services available to the Xbox LIVE / Sky Player offering. For Sky Sports, for example, this will mean that live coverage will be supported by range of applications to enhance the viewing experience further. As well as fans being able to communicate with one another in real time via their broadband connections, they will also be able to check news and access fixtures, league tables and other on-demand information. Interactive applications will also be developed across other programmes genres.
Stephen Nuttall, Director of Sky’s Commercial Group comments:” Our partnership with Xbox is a further example of our commitment to put choice and control in the hands of customers. Xbox owners now have a range of ways to access Sky content and can pick and choose the platform and packages that are right for them. We are extremely excited about the opportunity of reaching Xbox owners who are looking to experience Sky for the first time, as well as giving our existing customers yet another way to experience the content they love.”
Echoing this, Neil Thompson, Head of Xbox UK and Ireland, adds: “Our customers have told us that they want the opportunity to use their consoles as a way to access TV and once again Xbox has pulled off an entertainment first with amazing content and rich interactive experience. The combination of Sky’s leadership in content creation and aggregation and our own in creating a constantly evolving new generation of rich 360 entertainment experiences means we are one step closer to our goal of offering Xbox owners the best entertainment experiences out there, whether it’s movies, music, games, interactive experiences or high quality TV.”
Sky Player joins Xbox LIVE’s ever-expanding interactive online offering spanning on-demand films, music videos and games. It also enables users to communicate with each other via live video chat and MSN Messenger, beating console rivals to cement Xbox 360 as a true pioneer of home entertainment.
Sky Player currently provides access to a range of live TV channels – including Sky Sports – and a comprehensive on-demand library of thousands of programmes spanning entertainment, movies, documentaries, kids, culture, news and sport.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
More DLC For GTA IV Announced!!
Rockstar Games is proud to announce the fall release of both the second episode of Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony - exclusively for download on Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network, and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, which will include both episode one The Lost and Damned, and episode two The Ballad of Gay Tony together on a single disc exclusively for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Grand Theft Auto IV's second downloadable episode, The Ballad of Gay Tony injects Liberty City with an overdose of guns, glitz, and grime. As Luis Lopez, part-time hoodlum and full-time assistant to legendary nightclub impresario Tony Prince (aka "Gay Tony"), players will struggle with the competing loyalties of family and friends, and with the uncertainty about who is real and who is fake in a world in which everyone has a price. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City delivers two games on one disc - the all-new episode The Ballad of Gay Tony and the first episode, The Lost and Damned - together on disc for the first time and will not require a copy of the original Grand Theft Auto IV to play(Interesting...) The Ballad of Gay Tony will release on Xbox LIVE this fall for $19.99 or 1600 MS points and requires players to have Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE membership to download. Much more information and media to come. |
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Blizzards Acoustic Gig Streamed online TONIGHT With Xbox Live!!
Xbox have announced an exclusive, one off gig by one of Ireland’s hottest bands, The Blizzards, which will be streamed live on www.theblizzards.ie/xbox from 8pm on Wednesday, May 27th. The multi-platinum selling band will take to the stage to play their first ever full acoustic set in the intimate surroundings of one of Dublin’s most select venues, Number 10, Ormond Quay ahead of Oxegen. Those attending on the night will also get an exclusive sneak preview of one of the summer’s biggest music events as both The Blizzards and Xbox Live Stage will be part of the line-up at this year’s Oxegen Festival.
Boasting a massive 46 sq metres, high-quality LED screen, the Xbox Live Stage will become a focal point for festival-goers as it will feature live performances of VJ and DJ sets from the likes of MTV’s Eclectic Method, Arveene, Mickey Dee, Spin’s Dave Davin and Mark Vity. Xbox are also giving one lucky competition winner the chance to have their own half hour DJ set at Oxegen on the Xbox LIVE Stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. Entrants should email a sample set to vjs@xboxlivestage.com to be in with their chance of performing at Ireland’s top music festival.
It’s no secret we’re all keen gamers. Xbox Live offers bands such as ourselves the opportunity to reach out to the next generation of Xbox owners with music content and videos available for download 24/7. We are delighted to work with Xbox on an event like this as not only will we get to meet fans up close and personal but we will also be able to play a gig for those fans not lucky enough to make it on the night.”
Techtv101.com - Pimp My Mobility Scooter!!!!!!
72-year old video game junkie Harold Churchill takes his one-of-a-kind mobility scooter for a spin after it was customised around launch of the new Pimp My
Zune Video coming to Ireland and UK
For now have a gander over the piece below (Thanks to TechRadar.com for this!)
"A service called Zune Video will be arriving on the Xbox 360 in key markets including the UK, with Microsoft confirming that it will pair two of its brands as it separately announced a new Zune media player for the US.
Zune Video, a 'revised' service to the current US Zune Marketplace, will arrive in the UK on Xbox Live, as well as in the US, France, Italy, Germany, Ireland and Spain.
In an interview with the Guardian, ahead of the official announcement later this week, Microsoft's Chris Stephenson explained the thinking behind moving Zune to Xbox.
"Xbox as a platform is broadening its audience, growing beyond games into living room entertainment," said Stephenson.
"That's what's driven the prioritisation of an enhanced Zune video service to Xbox… It's about changing the way people think about entertainment."
Not a Zune-gamer phone
The revelation falls far short of some predictions that a Zune mobile phone or portable games console was all set to be unveiled.
Meanwhile, confirmation of a new Zune player have been released, with Reuters posting up some of the details in a brief report.
The new Zune HD will, as the name suggests, incorporate high definition video, have a touch-screen and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The WiFi heralds the arrival of a web browser, and there will also apparently be an internet radio and the promise of better quality radio playback.
"Yes. We've got a tremendous device," added Stephenson. "This is a fantastic piece of hardware and absolutely it's going right up against iPod Touch; it's hyper competitive against that product.
Stephenson also talked more about the potential for gaming on the Zune, stating in the same Gurdian games blog article:
"Well, gaming on the handheld device is definitely a big opportunity for us, we have the DNA in our business.
"We're not talking specifically about the gaming aspect of our hardware platform at the moment, but it's definitely something that over time, we want to step up, and we'll have more announcements around that in the future."
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
TechTV101 Chats with PS3's "inFamous" Producer and Game Director
Brian Fleming
Producer & Co-Founder
Sucker Punch Productions
How has the make-up of Sucker Punch changed during develop
The ga
Why just electricity? Was there a temptation to go full-on ele
We never entertained fire and water powers for Cole, though we did entertain those for enemies at one brainstorming
Can you na
Egads, how long do you have? If you forced
Can you tell
On December 14th, 2006 a huge rainstorm hit the
So this all happens a year into the develop
What are the real-world inspirations behind the city’s design?
Super hero comics and movies were the principal inspiration—and super heroes are so closely linked to city life, it see
Can you explain how the customisation of Cole works in the ga
I’m going to have to pass on this one—I see our PR folks are about to electrocute
Has the release of
Not especially. Clearly
How long would it take a player to travel from one side of
Well that will depend on the
Are there advantages to being under the Sony umbrella? Do you have an open dialogue with other developers within the PS3 community?
Without question there are advantages – the largest of which is the amazing team at Sony
We also have been fortunate to have a close and open relationship with the teams at Naughty Dog and Insomniac, two amazing teams whose ability to make excellent titles always inspires us. We trade tools, approaches and offer advice to each other. It’s another great part of our gig.
Can you talk a little bit about developing on the PS3 for inFamous? How can you build upon it in future?
We’ve enjoyed the PS3 develop
Have you cast any voice actors for the project?
As I write this we’re 24 hours from our second major recordin
Additionally, we try very hard to schedule our recordin
The moral choices you make in the ga
(Answer redacted by a sharp-eyed marketing team
What types of tasks can players engage in outside of the main story?
Beyond the main story, we’ve built a sort of cri
We’re almost sorry to ask, but have you played Crackdown on the 360? That ga
Don’t apologize, it’s a common connection. I think people hear superheroes in a modern setting and they connect the two. And for the record Crackdown was a fun if under-appreciated ga
Cole’s climbing and exploration abilities are one part scaling buildings athletically and gracefully, and one part vertical duck and cover combat. It’s empowering, fluid and works everywhere you think it should… Want to climb that drain pipe, leap to the windows and then off the building onto the nearby streetlight? That should be effortless…. We’re trying to give a complete sense of freedom to the player, while trying to make things feel believable and grounded enough that it seems entirely possible. And the fact that you can use your powers while climbing
Nate Fox
Game Director
Sucker Punch Productions
Cole isn’t alone in the ga
Like any good superhero story Cole is surrounded by a supporting cast of bad-asses. Zeke’s the best friend who sometimes helps out in the field (AKA- the Sidekick). Trish is the love interest, she runs all around town helping out as a guerrilla medic. And finally there’s Moya, Cole’s mysterious source for Intel.
How hard has it been to give the player so much power but still provide a challenge in the ga
Since we’re trying to give Players the feeling of becoming a modern day superhero it sort of demands a full slate of amped-up powers. To provide a challenge we’ve crafted a large Rogue’s Gallery of equally gifted enemies. After all, powerful iconic villains are a must for any superhero experience.
If Cole can be good or evil how do you define the ‘bad’ guys?
Anyone trying to kill Cole or his buddies is the enemy. It’s pretty simple really, Cole’s on quest that allows him the flexibility to be either selfless or selfish, good or evil… and anyone that tries to keep him from his goal is gonna get a lightning bolt to the face.
Pitch your ga
InFamous takes a realistic, modern-day look at super heroes -- it's not set in a fantasy world, it's set in our world. What would happen if you suddenly found yourself with super powers? How would your friends react? What would the public think of you? Those are the issues that inFamous explores, all while offering a dynamic, open-world environ
What’s different about developing your ga
It took a while to get our new streaming engine up and running, but now that it’s here “life is good”. It’s easy to create elaborate cinematic missions packed with a variety of enemies. And since it’s a sandbox game you end up getting all this spontaneous interaction between systems.
How is develop
The ga
What will set your title apart from other ga
How have things panned out since we talked six months ago? When do you anticipate the game hitting the shelves?
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you how much has been built, changed, and improved over the last six months. Virtually every aspect of the game is better, runs faster, and of course there’s tons more to do in
We understand that Cole’s powers will centre on electricity. Can you tell us what went into this decision and why electricity.
You know it was one of the strong candidates from the beginning for us… Clearly it wasn’t our only idea though, so we did what we always do—which is start trying things… We prototyped some electricity powers, and of course some other powers too… And started playing with them—in test worlds, in combat… After our first couple rounds of prototyping, electricity is visually strong, and playing strong, so we start doing focused brainstorming around that – and then the really good stuff starts coming up—hey, we can use it to revive dead guys on the street! Oh yeah, we can power up dead machinery… Hey, the entire city electric grid can be simulated, we can use that! And when you hit that stage—where brainstorming meetings are turning out great, usable ideas, that’s when you know you’re onto something.
It’s been a while since we heard about any of the enemy types. Can you describe any to us just to help add so
Well, there’s all sorts of enemies, as you probably expect… You’ve seen the Reaper gang, but not their leader… You’ve probably also not seen all the different unit types in the Reaper gang either, so let me assure you that the grunts with guns, and the taller, teleporting elites, those are just two of four unit types of that one gang... And of course the boss of the reapers, we haven’t talked about her yet… We’ll talk more about the other gangs as we get a bit closer to launch too, so stay tuned!
Has Cole developed a surname yet?
MacGrath... We drew from his back story, and looked at lots of Irish Clan history, mottos, and crests and picked MacGrath because we liked the fit. The crest includes a Maltese Cross indicating the family was dedicated to healing, and also battle axes indicating the family was often involved in battles. It’s not like his crest is a part of the game, but there was a lot of care taken, even at this level. Salus in fide!
Can you give us two-line bio of each of his sidekick characters and briefly outline an example of how each will help you during gameplay?
I think helpers is probably the wrong way to look at the cast – they’re involved, important, but independent of Cole. Well so far, we’ve introduced Zeke, conspiracy theorist, survivalist and blood brother with Cole. He’ll fight alongside you at times, but you know, Zeke’s his own man, so don’t expect that to be super common. Trish is Cole’s on-again/off-again girlfriend, a med-student, and one who can really sharpen the point of some of Cole’s moral dilemmas in the game. Moya is the law, she’s outside the Quarantined parts of Empire City, but has decent intelligence reports, and strikes a deal with Cole to clear his name if he keeps his end of the bargain.
How do you make both the good and evil paths through the game rewarding? In Bioshock, it felt like there was a slight imbalance where it was more rewarding to do good than bad – is this something you’re addressing? Will you get different endings depending on your morals?
I think of it less of separate paths, more of appropriate experiences and responses… We try to give you a little taste of what it’s like to be famous, or infamous… It’s not like in one ending the city blows to smithereens and in the other it becomes a utopia… That “fork the story” is not what holds our interest as storytellers… What we like is the little stuff, the people passing you on the street and taking your picture, or ganging up on you to try to exact revenge… The endings can indeed be, but that’s not really the point we’re trying to make…
What’s the latest on multiplayer and online play? Co-op is really ‘in’ at the mo – will it be supported?
Nope, sorry…
Let us in on what a few of your Trophies will be awarded for...
Whatever our QA staff and design team deems as the most worthy! Got any suggestions?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Palm Pre on June 6th for $200 In USA.. It's official!
Note: Looking more info? Check out our giant Palm Pre hub!
From: ENGADGET.COM
The Dragonica Europe Closed Beta opens to everyone for a 4 days Stress Test
The free arcade style 3D side-scrolling MMORPG Dragonica has been online for Europe during its Closed Beta for less than a week at the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal, with the official release planned for June 2009. In order to perform server tests and allow all users to take part in the CBT Community Events, the gPotato Team have decided to open the servers to all gPotato.eu users for a 4 days Stress Test beginning 19th of May.
For the first time in western countries, the highly anticipated action MMORPG Dragonica has been made available to a selected amount of players for the European Beta Test on the 13th of May. Since then, many events, such as Combo Challenge or Screenshot Contest, have been lead by the gPotato Community Team, and many more are planned for the coming days.
All gPotato.eu users will be able to participate in the upcoming events, as the gPotato Team opens Dragonica to the public for a 4 days Stress Test leading to the end of the beta test on Friday the 22nd. During these four days, users will be able to discover the colorful world of Dragotaka and the action-paced gameplay of Dragonica. All beta users who reach level 20 before the end of the tests will be able to reserve their character name and receive rewards at the official launch of the game next month.
In order to have access to the Dragonica Stress Test, just create a free account on the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal, download the game from the official Dragonica website, and play!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sony Ericsson Announce National Smile Hunt
Sony Ericsson launches challenge to capture millions of smiles around the world
Sony Ericsson and RTE 2FM’s Nikki Hayes have launched a nationwide “smile hunt” across Ireland today. As part of the global Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter campaign, to look for the best smile hunters from around the world, Sony Ericsson is offering two lucky people from Ireland the chance to become Sony Ericsson official Smile Hunters.
Sony Ericsson’s Smile Hunters will get to go to the most prestigious events, exclusive parties, meet new people and travel to exciting places as a Sony Ericsson VIP – for free. In return, the Smile Hunters will be challenged to capture as many smiles as possible on their mobile camera phones and to keep a blog about the stories they gather behind the smiles.
Nikki Hayes, who is one of Ireland’s most popular radio presenters, will be leading the search for smiles around the country by becoming Sony Ericsson’s official Smile Hunter Ambassador for Ireland, taking pictures on her Sony Ericsson C905 camera phone whenever she’s out and about. Nikki will then post her photos on the Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter website for everyone to see. Nikki said “I love taking photographs on my C905 camera phone so catching smiles will be easy for me plus most people know that I spend a lot of time blogging!”
Anyone who thinks they could be a Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter must first apply online at www.sonyericsson.com/smilehunter. A shortlist will be selected by a panel of judges who will decide who makes it through to the final experience. Once selected, Sony Ericsson Smile Hunters will be given ‘Smile Hunting Kits’ containing everything they need for an action-packed summer – including a new Sony Ericsson Cybershot™ C510 camera phone with innovative Smile Shutter™ technology - the ultimate tool for capturing smiles - gig tickets, VIP passes to exclusive events, trips for you and your friends, festival tickets and entrance to exclusive club nights.
Sony Ericsson’s clever Smile Shutter™ technology is the latest in camera phone sophistication. Available with both the Sony Ericsson C510 Cyber-shot™ and C905 Cyber-shot™ upgrade, the Smile Shutter™ detects a person’s smile and immediately takes the photograph - capturing the perfect smiling-shot every time. Missed smiles are a thing of the past with this revolutionary smile hunting tool.
Even if you don’t make it through to be an official Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter, there will be a chance to take part in an exciting global smile hunter competition, in which anyone can enter by simply uploading their best camera phone ‘smile’ photos to an interactive gallery on the official website www.sonyericsson.com/smilehunter.
A global judging panel comprising David Viggers, international photographer, Tony Briggs, celebrity portrait photographer, Martin Wezowski, design producer for Sony Ericsson, Liu Heung Shing, Time magazine’s first photojournalist (based in Beijing) and Angela Boatwright, the international photographer with rocker roots, will travel to London to vote for their favourite smile photos uploaded by the Smile Hunters and the general public.
However, it’s not just the judges who will choose the winners, the general public will be able to vote for their favourite smile photos in the interactive gallery on the Smile Hunter website, with the person with the most votes being crowned the ‘People’s Global Winner’. All entrants could be in with a chance of winning a range of amazing prizes, from a trip for two to visit the new youth culture wonders of the world, to having their images displayed in a local exhibition.
Russell Keating, Marketing Manager, Sony Ericsson Ireland said: “With Smile Shutter™ technology, taking great smile photos couldn’t be simpler. Mobile phone technology is evolving incredibly quickly and it’s amazing what can be achieved. The Smile Hunters have an exciting adventure ahead of them and we can’t wait to see the smiles they capture along the way.”
If you think that you have what it takes to be a great Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter, or want to find out how to take part, log onto www.sonyericsson.com/smilehunter for more information and deliver your pitch for why you should be picked.
About Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson launches challenge to capture millions of smiles around the world
Dublin: Sunday, May 17th, 2009 – Sony Ericsson and RTE 2FM’s Nikki Hayes have launched a nationwide “smile hunt” across Ireland today. As part of the global Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter campaign, to look for the best smile hunters from around the world, Sony Ericsson is offering two lucky people from Ireland the chance to become Sony Ericsson official Smile Hunters.
Sony Ericsson’s Smile Hunters will get to go to the most prestigious events, exclusive parties, meet new people and travel to exciting places as a Sony Ericsson VIP – for free. In return, the Smile Hunters will be challenged to capture as many smiles as possible on their mobile camera phones and to keep a blog about the stories they gather behind the smiles.
Nikki Hayes, who is one of Ireland’s most popular radio presenters, will be leading the search for smiles around the country by becoming Sony Ericsson’s official Smile Hunter Ambassador for Ireland, taking pictures on her Sony Ericsson C905 camera phone whenever she’s out and about. Nikki will then post her photos on the Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter website for everyone to see. Nikki said “I love taking photographs on my C905 camera phone so catching smiles will be easy for me plus most people know that I spend a lot of time blogging!”
Anyone who thinks they could be a Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter must first apply online at www.sonyericsson.com/smilehunter. A shortlist will be selected by a panel of judges who will decide who makes it through to the final experience. Once selected, Sony Ericsson Smile Hunters will be given ‘Smile Hunting Kits’ containing everything they need for an action-packed summer – including a new Sony Ericsson Cybershot™ C510 camera phone with innovative Smile Shutter™ technology - the ultimate tool for capturing smiles - gig tickets, VIP passes to exclusive events, trips for you and your friends, festival tickets and entrance to exclusive club nights.
Sony Ericsson’s clever Smile Shutter™ technology is the latest in camera phone sophistication. Available with both the Sony Ericsson C510 Cyber-shot™ and C905 Cyber-shot™ upgrade, the Smile Shutter™ detects a person’s smile and immediately takes the photograph - capturing the perfect smiling-shot every time. Missed smiles are a thing of the past with this revolutionary smile hunting tool.
Even if you don’t make it through to be an official Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter, there will be a chance to take part in an exciting global smile hunter competition, in which anyone can enter by simply uploading their best camera phone ‘smile’ photos to an interactive gallery on the official website www.sonyericsson.com/smilehunter.
A global judging panel comprising David Viggers, international photographer, Tony Briggs, celebrity portrait photographer, Martin Wezowski, design producer for Sony Ericsson, Liu Heung Shing, Time magazine’s first photojournalist (based in Beijing) and Angela Boatwright, the international photographer with rocker roots, will travel to London to vote for their favourite smile photos uploaded by the Smile Hunters and the general public.
However, it’s not just the judges who will choose the winners, the general public will be able to vote for their favourite smile photos in the interactive gallery on the Smile Hunter website, with the person with the most votes being crowned the ‘People’s Global Winner’. All entrants could be in with a chance of winning a range of amazing prizes, from a trip for two to visit the new youth culture wonders of the world, to having their images displayed in a local exhibition.
Russell Keating, Marketing Manager, Sony Ericsson Ireland said: “With Smile Shutter™ technology, taking great smile photos couldn’t be simpler. Mobile phone technology is evolving incredibly quickly and it’s amazing what can be achieved. The Smile Hunters have an exciting adventure ahead of them and we can’t wait to see the smiles they capture along the way.”
If you think that you have what it takes to be a great Sony Ericsson Smile Hunter, or want to find out how to take part, log onto www.sonyericsson.com/smilehunter for more information and deliver your pitch for why you should be picked.
About Sony Ericsson
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Techtv101.com Rumor: PS3 Slim Photos Leaked
The PlayStation 3 Slim would fall into line with Sony's previous product trends, but this bout of "evidence" is highly suspect. For one, the device appears to feature a textured plastic finish, similar to the PS2, however, Sony's design trend with the PlayStation 3 and PSP product series has been focused on gloss or semi-gloss finishes. Additionally, the typeset on the device and packaging is oddly similar to that of the PS2-era, straying from the new PS3 font despite the fact that it is used in all of the console's branding and promotional materials since launch.
Still, the photos have caused quite a stir around the web. We'll just have to wait and see if Sony makes a move on the PS3 Slim.
Source:IGN.com