Samsung Galaxy S II powered by NVIDIA Tegra 2

Samsung Galaxy S II will most probably be the second most successful smartphone of 2011 – the first of course being the Apple iPhone 5 when it is eventually released. Being second to the iPhone in any category is not a bad place to be in at all. Look at its specs below and you’ll see why it will kick butt this year.

Samsung Galaxy S II Specifications:

• 8 Megapixel LED Flash Camera
• Super thin – 8.49mm
• Dual Core Nvidia Tegra Chip 1.2Ghz
• 4.27″ capacitive screen
• Super AMOLED Plus display
• 1080p HD Video Recording
• 2 Megapixel front-facing camera
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS
• microSD expandable
• 1024 MB RAM
• Also known as Samsung i9100

The image above is taken from Samsung’s first commercial video for Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone. They've posted the clip below so you can see how the little girl mistakes the little clown fish swimming on her (or sadly her parent’s) Samsung Galaxy S II as a real fishy. Concerned for its welfare, she tenderly plonks the phone in the goldfish bowl so it can ‘be happy’ again. The point of the video, of course, is to emphasize the vivid and clear display of the Samsung Galaxy S II‘s Super AMOLED Plus display. We know a lot of you out there who are keen to own this device are a lot smarter, but just in case you haven’t noticed yet, there is a disclaimer on the video saying that the Samsung Galaxy S II is in fact, NOT waterproof.

As the world's first mobile super chip, NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 brings extreme multitasking with the first mobile dual-core CPU, the best mobile Web experience with up to two times faster browsing, hardware accelerated Flash, and console-quality gaming with an ultra-low power (ULP) NVIDIA® GeForce®GPU. Get never-before-seen experiences on a mobile device with NVIDIA Tegra.

Key Features

• Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU — The world's first mobile dual-core CPU for faster Web browsing, snappier response time, and overall better performance. The Cortex-A9 is the first mobile CPU with out of order execution for more efficient processing, resulting in a better overall experience.
• Ultra-low power (ULP) GeForce GPU — Architected for low-power applications, the ULP GeForce GPU delivers outstanding mobile 3D game playability and a visually engaging, highly-responsive 3D user interface.
• 1080p Video Playback Processor — Watch 1080p HD movies stored on your mobile device on your HDTV without compromising battery life.

Pottermore

Pottermore is a free website that builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books.

Sony has partnered with J.K. Rowling to launch Pottermore, an online experience unlike any other, where fans of all ages can rediscover, share, and participate in the stories of Harry Potter! There is so much more to reveal – but we will let J.K. Rowling walk you 

through all the magical details. Pottermore will be open to all in October of 2011 and you 

can visit www.pottermore.com on July 31 to find out how you can get a chance to enter Pottermore early.

Uncharted 3 coming to Playstation Plus

PlayStation Plus is offering free and exclusive early access to the highly anticipated UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Multiplayer Beta on June 28th! Be sure to check out Naughty Dog’s detailed analysis of the game’s revamped multiplayer modes and features so you know what to expect from the all-new arenas, weapon customizations, and booster options. 

Angry Birds Gameplay

In Angry Birds, players take control of a flock of multi-colored birds that are attempting to retrieve eggs that have been stolen by a group of evil green pigs. On each level, the pigs are sheltered by structures made of various materials such as wood, ice and stone, and the objective of the game is to eliminate all the pigs in the level. Using a slingshot, players launch the birds with the intent of either hitting the pigs directly or damaging the structures, which would cause them to collapse and kill the pigs. In various stages of the game, additional objects such as explosive crates and rocks are found in the levels, and may be used in conjunction with the birds to destroy hard-to-reach pigs.

There are several different types of birds used in the game. In the earliest levels, the basic red bird is the only one available. As the player advances through the game, additional types of birds become available; some of these birds are more effective against particular materials or they have special abilities that are activated by the player after the bird has been launched. For example, a blue bird can separate into three birds, a black bird explodes and a white bird can drop explosive eggs. The pigs themselves also appear in different sizes. While small pigs are relatively weak and are easily destroyed either by direct hits or by debris from the damaged structures, larger pigs are able to sustain more damage. Also, some pigs wear helmets as armor, making them more resistant to damage, while pigs with crowns can take the most damage.

Each level starts with the number, types, and order of birds pre-determined. If all of the pigs are defeated by the time the last bird is used, the level is completed and the next level is unlocked. Points are scored for each pig defeated as well as for damage to, or destruction of, structures, and bonus points are awarded for any unused birds. Upon completing each level, players receive one, two, or three stars, depending on the score received. Players may re-attempt unlocked levels as many times as they wish in order to successfully complete them or to earn additional points and/or stars.

Awards

In February 2010, Angry Birds was a nominee for the "Best Casual Game" award at the 6th annual International Mobile Gaming Awards in Barcelona, Spain. In September 2010, IGN named Angry Birds as the fourth best iPhone game of all time. In April 2011, Angry Birds won both the "Best Game App" and "App of the Year" at the UK Appy Awards. At the 15th edition of the Webby Awards, Angry Birds was awarded "Best Game for Handheld Devices".

Nintendo Wii U controller's features

A prototype version of Wii U was showcased at the E3 2011. The design of the console and controller were not definitive versions. The controller demonstrated features a touch screen over 6 inches wide and contains a built-in microphone, speakers, gyroscope, accelerometer, rumble and camera. Although it may look like a tablet, all processing is done on the console itself and the screen only supports single touch, not multitouch, going against a popular trend across the technology industry.

Some analysts did not understand Nintendo's strategy, expressing the concern that the controller would be too expensive and not as innovative as the original Wii Remote. 

Technical specifications

Nintendo released technical specifications of the Wii U hardware, noting that aspects are subject to change.

Processors:

• CPU: IBM Power Architecture-based multi-core 45 nm microprocessor
• GPU: Custom-designed AMD Radeon HD

Storage:

• Internal flash memory, expandable via SD memory cards and USB hard disk drives
• Slot-loading optical disc drive compatible with 12 cm "proprietary high-density optical discs" (25 GB capacity) and 12 cm Wii optical discs

Ports and peripheral capabilities:

• SD memory card slot (supports SDHC cards)
• USB 2.0 ports (2 at front of console, 2 at rear)
• Sensor Bar power port
• "AV Multi Out" port
• HDMI out port

Controller:

• Built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, speakers, front-facing camera, sensor strip, microphone and a 6.2 inch 16:9 resistive touchscreen
• Two Circle Pads and one Digital Pad
• Stylus
• Select, Start, Home and Power buttons
• A/B/X/Y face buttons, L/R bumper buttons and ZL/ZR trigger buttons
• Controller sync button

Video:

• 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i, standard 4:3 and 16:9 anamorphic widescreen
• "AV Multi Out" port supporting composite video, YP_BP_R component video, S-Video (NTSCconsoles only), RGB SCART (PAL consoles only) and D-Terminal (Japan only)
• HDMI out port

Audio

• "AV Multi Out" port. Six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI

Will Final Fantasy versus XIII ever be released?

Final Fantasy Versus XIII is a spiritual sibling of Final Fantasy XIII, but is not a sequel, prequel, or related to it in any way other than sharing mythos elements, and takes place in a different world. Versus XIII is part of a "ten year project" called Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy, which is a Pretentious Latin Title meaning "The New Tale Of The Crystal".
With the development of Final Fantasy Versus XIII taking its time, some fans are beginning to question whether Final Fantasy Versus XIII will be released.


Versus XIII is currently planned to be a Playstation 3 exclusive, and is an Action RPG along the lines of Kingdom Hearts, although it is purported to also have Third Person Shooter elements.


The story centres around Noctis Lucis Caelum, mafia prince of an isolated kingdom and protector of the last crystal, in a world where crystals are no longer used. Together with his loyal nakama, Noct works to defend his homeland from neighbouring "barbarians" who seek its power for their own in the growing conflict. He also meets Stella Nox Fleuret, a young woman from the rival country of Tenebrae and his unwilling enemy.

CHARACTERS

Noctis Lucis Caelum
Noctis is the lead character of Versus XIII. He seems to be the silent type, and has been seen wielding a multitude of weapons throughout the various trailers. Noctis also uses magic and has the ability to teleport.
Noctis is the prince of the last remaining dynasty that is tasked with protecting the Crystals. However, many others also want these Crystals and Noctis is tasked with defending his Kingdom from those who wish to seize control.
Noctis's full name is Latin for "Light of the Night Sky," and his nickname is "Noct".








Stella Nox Fleuret
A blonde girl who appears to be an enemy of Noctis, whether or not she is royalty herself is unknown. Stella uses a weapon reminiscent of a rapier an uses magic that looks similar to Noctis'.
Stella is a very confident and bubbly character who hails from the country of Tenebrae. She is an extremely wealthy young lady, but despite this, she is very humble and her demeanor is very honest and polite.












Fortunately, Noctis isn't alone in his defence of the Crystals and he has various companions who come to his assistance. None have been given names thus far, but it is known that his family operates in a similar fashion to a mafia organization.

Ignis 
This character appears to be Noctis' driver and one of the more serious people in the group. His style of clothing is also the most professional looking; he sports a suit and a necklace of some kind.

Gladiolus
This character has been seen giving the Shotgun Guy a headlock and is the largest of the posse. Despite his large build, he seems quite relaxed.

Prompto
The typical happy go lucky character, Shotgun Guy looks like the joker of the gang. His name originated from the fan community dubbing him "Shotgun Guy" based on the character having a shotgun over his shoulder.


















Battles will take place in real-time environments using all regions of the field, from the tops of buildings down to street level. The game will feature battles that take place in areas with great differences in height, as shown in the FFversusXIII trailer, and the players will have to fight using the full environment.

Tales of Xillia, Exclusively for PS3

Tales of Xillia is the 13th mothership title in the Tales series, for thePlayStation 3. Its characteristic genre name is RPG of Unwavering Convictions RPG. The game is due to be released in Japan on September 8, 2011 and will feature a theme song called "progress" sung by Ayumi Hamasaki.

Unlike previous games in the series, the game will feature two main characters, one male and one female, from different character designers. Both characters live in the world of Liese Maxia, where humans, spirits and demons are able to reside together in harmony. At the beginning of the game, the player will choose one character and experience certain events from that character's point of view. The battle system is called the "Double Raid Linear Motion Battle System" (DR-LMBS), which focuses on two-character cooperative combat.

SCE has announced the exciting PS3 Tales of Xillia X Edition bundle pack for enthusiasts in Japan.

A 160GB HDD PS3 along with the Tales of Xillia for the PS3 are what's wrapped in the bundle. While the charcoal black color of the offered PS3 system looks familiar, the distinct Jude and Mira design set it apart. These two main character from the story have been etched in the metallic red and gold color on the system's surface. The implanted PS3 logo is also a metallic type red color theat seems to go well with the rest of the surface sketch.

Playstation Photo Gallery from E3 2011

NGP is now Playstation VITA! Will it kill the PSP?

Sony proudly unveiled an incredible 2011 software lineup and amazing new PS3 peripherals, and also shed new light on highly anticipated handheld gaming device, officially named PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). “Vita,” which means “Life” in Latin, was chosen as the name for the next-generation portable entertainment system because it enables a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context, bringing users closer to each other and closer to their gaming experiences wherever they are.


Playstation VITA will be launch starting the end of this year for $249, it incorporates a beautiful 5-inch multi-touch organic light emitting diode (OLED) as the front display and a unique multi-touch pad on the rear. Two analog sticks enable a wider range of game genres. 

They proudly announced a partnership with AT&T, which powers the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, who will serve as the exclusive service provider for PS Vita in the United States. By having both Wi-Fi and 3G/Wi-Fi models available, PS Vita will enable infinite possibilities to “encounter,” “connect,” “discover,” “share” and “play” with friends wherever they are.


Playstation VITA features
LiveArea - an interactive space for each PS Vita software title that allows you to access the latest game information through PlayStation Network
Near - a pre-installed application that lets you see what other PS Vita users in the vicinity are playing
Party - which lets you voice chat or text chat while playing games or using the Internet browser
Welcome Park - a tutorial application designed specifically to guide you through PS Vita’s new user interface

iPhone version of Monster Hunter!

With the use of iPhone touchpad, different gameplay features are for this game version. Monster Hunter Dynamic Hunting is a spin-off of the main Monster Hunter game series for iPhone. As seen in Famitsu's gameplay video, four monsters are in the game (Yian Kut-ku, silhouettes of Congalala, Daimyo Hermitaur, and Khezu). It may depend on the players' performance in the game to unlock more monsters. It has been released worldwide in June 1, 2011. 

I can't believe when I heard about this MH for iPhone because it will be hard to navigate the the character using touchpad until I saw this video that shows different gameplay for iPhone. Aside from the first four monsters on the video, you will expect the appearance of Basarios, Blue Yian Kut-ku, Blangonga, Rathian, Yian Garuga, Red Khezu, Shogun Ceanataur, and Monoblos.

Gameplay

• Player chooses a monster to hunt from the choices in the menu.
• Weapons and Armor are customizable.
• The game will indicate both hunter's and monster's HP, and the amount of damage the hunter does to the monster.
• Controls are as follows:
  • Tapping the target monster with one finger performs an attack to it.
  • Blocks can be performed by holding down the screen with two fingers.
  • Evading is accomplished by sliding two fingers left or right.
  • Basic movement can be accomplished by sliding a single finger, left or right.
  • Slash attack are done by flicking one finger vertically or horizontally. (Depends on weapon)
• Certain events will indicate when a monster's attack is about to hit the hunter, and the player can press the corresponding button to evade the attack.
• A player is graded from D (the lowest) to S (the highest) depending on their performance in the quest.
• Items are received at the end of the quest, in which you can upgrade your weapons and armor with.
• Time limit of 3 minutes is given on the upper right of the screen.
• There are 3 Levels. 4 Monsters per level.