Gaming & Toys

Virtual Virus Spreads in Online Multiplayer Game

Gaming & Toys, Miscellaneous / By /

Perhaps this isn’t quite a gizmo-related news item, but it is fascinating. Recently, a *virtual* virus hit the fantasy gamespace of the World of Warcraft. A spell attack that some of the advanced players found in one part of the world lowered their points, but then when they left that area and encountered other players, they passed on the virus to those players as well! Those players in turn suffered the same amount of damage, as well as passing it on to other players. The game admins had to figure out a new spell to counteract this one. Amazing really. Within the structure of the game, there was the possibility for a virus to be born and spread, and it did. Blizzard, the makers of the game, did not have any comments on the subject.

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Intelligent Remote Contol Sumo Robot Wrestlers Toy

Gaming & Toys, Gizmo of the Day / By /

Intelligent Remote Contol Sumo Robot Wrestlers Toy

Think of this as the next generation of Rockem Sockem Robots. These remote control sumo robot wrestlers are individually controlled or can be set to run autonomously using the robot’s AI. These little guys have infrared sensors to track and fight their enemy. They even ‘learn’ tactical moves over time! Pretty cool.

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PSP 2.0 Firmware cracked

Gaming & Toys, Miscellaneous / By /

CNET Australia is running a piece on how the PSP 2.0 Firmware has been cracked. Although Sony periodically releases firmware updates that prevent hacks and homebrewed code to be run, an amateur programmer has made a file that forces a buffer overflow that would theoretically allow for custom code to be run on the PSP. What was really interesting about the piece was the note that the programmer left for Sony: “If you wanted to find us I know you could. This release wasn’t intended as a way to run pirated software on the PSP. We believe that everyone should be able to compile their own code and run it. Nothing is kept secret forever and I’m sure you know this. In the end, if it wasn’t us, it would be some one else. Fighting it would be like skating up a hill. You did create the PSP and did an amazing job.”

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Atari Re-releasing 2600 Game Console

Gaming & Toys, Miscellaneous / By /

Atari, now owned by Infogrames, has decided to release a version of the venerable Atari 2600 console with joysticks that look and apparently play exactly like the original. This new console looks like a scaled-down version of the original one, but doesn’t need a cartridge slot, because today, only a small chip is needed to store multiple games in the little box. And it does! 40 games, including Pitfall, Centipeded, Asteroids, and Missile Command.

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Board Game Teaches Kids How to Program

Gaming & Toys / By /

When I was a kid, I had an Atari 800 computer. Remember those? I had a game on tape (I did not have a disk drive) that taught me how to type. It was like missile command, except that I had to type the right character in order to blow up the incoming missile. Fast-forward 20 years or so, and along comes a game that teaches you how to program. Dang, why couldn’t I be a kid today?

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Roboraptor: Mark Tilden’s Latest Robot

Gaming & Toys, Gizmo of the Day / By /

Roboraptor: Mark Tilden's Latest Robot

Remember the Robosapien, the super cool robot designed by Mark Tilden? Well, here’s the Roboraptor, its successor. The Roboraptor has multiple sensors, realistic motion. It also has ‘personalities’: aggressive hunter; methodical and cautious; friendly and playful. You can use 40 pre-programmed functions to control it via a remote control or let it roam around in an autonomous mode.

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SLAPPA Playstation Portable (PSP) Storage Case

Gaming & Toys / By /

SLAPPA Distribution LLC., today announced the launch of its new SLAPPA® Playstation Portable (PSP) Storage case. The line, as described on SLAPPA’s website (www.slappa.com), combines highly tactile materials and a unique design focused on secure protection, this new PSP case is a must-have for any avid gamer-on-the-go.

The SLAPPA HardBody PSP Daily Case is designed to protect your PSP from the elements while maintaining a sleek, cutting-edge look. This case features the same xEVA material featured on the award winning CD and DVD case lines, as well as rainproof zippers with rubber SLAPPA zipper pulls, storage divider, cargo storage nets, Xtra-wide elastic band for ultra-secure PSP storage and super-soft lining. This case also features a D-ring with removable carabineer clip and an adjustable Velcro storage strap for multiple transport options. “We believe the PSP is positioned to be a staying force in mobile digital devices, and as such we focused on making a case that PSP owners can trust to protect their investment over the long haul�, says Dustin Garis, Director of Marketing for SLAPPA.

The SLAPPA HardBody PSP Daily storage case is now available for preorder for only $14.99 at www.slappa.com (MSRP $19.99). Product will ship September 20.

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Nintendo’s Revolution Controller has been Revealed

Gaming & Toys / By /

Nintendo’s new and upcoming console’s controller has been revealed and it looks like a sideways version of their original controller or a remote control… but much much better!

The new controller has a chip inside and with two small sensors placed around the TV, the positioning and orientation of the controller is tracked which allows the controller to be used by simply moving it! For instance, if you had a shoot-em up game, you just point and click and what you want to shoot.

Also, the controller has an expansion port which could allow add-on hardware like an additional controller with more buttons or another stick.

One final note, if you turn the controller sideways, the remote is well suited to play those classic 8-bit NES Nintendo games which Nintendo has promised will be downloadable for use under using Revolutions “Virtual Console”.

In a nutshell, the Revolution controller looks simple and easy to use but packs some great gaming technology. We only hope Revolution lives up to it’s controller!

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Frigits: Magnetic Marble Rollercoaster Office Toy

Gaming & Toys, Gizmo of the Day, Tools, DIY, Home, Office / By /

Frigits: Magnetic Marble Rollercoaster Office Toy

Just when you think they’ve thought of everything, along comes a new toy or gadget that makes you reach for your wallet, because you have to have it. This innovative doohickey is sort of like Mouse Trap for your fridge door. Just slap together some of the parts to create your own little rollercoaster for marbles. You have at your arsenal a combination of chutes, funnels, catapults, spinners and sheer drop offs to arrange according to your mood and tastes.

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Katana: The Soul Controller for PlayStation 2

Gaming & Toys, Gizmo of the Day / By /

Katana: The Soul Controller for PlayStation 2

Given the number of different controllers available now for video games (apart from the usual joystick, keyboard and mouse), this particular one should come as no surprise, but it is unbelievably cool. A little violent perhaps, but still cool, even if just from a technology perspective. The Katana by Hori is a wireless game controller that was especially designed for the Onimusha 3 Playstation II game. You can swing it like a real sword, and the motion is translated into hitting the attack button. The sword also has dual shock 2 buttons and vibration motors.

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