Gear Lover - by Craig Hill

There’s a new GPS device for golfers out there called OnPar. It seems slightly more advanced than the rest; just based on the fact that OnPar has a touchscreen interface.

OnPar is basically is a touchscreen GPS finder that can help the player by providing a dynamic hole layout display and GPS positioning that provides instant distances to anywhere and remaining distance to the green, personalized club averages, and simple score and shot tracking.

OnPar can store upto 300 courses in its memory and does no membership fees or course map fees.

OnPar has a 3.5″ screen, and measures only 0.63″ in thickness. Even though the pricing is yet not revealed we know it will be available at a few specialty stores starting in early February this year.

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Gaming

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iPhone Games

January 2nd 2009 13:28

Game technology seems to have gone full circle. Nintendo puts games into watches, the march of technology replaces watches with cellphones, developer sneaks classic Game & Watch apps onto the iPhone. Rejoice, but make it fast.

The folks of Mobile 1UP have brought five G&W games to the store as separate apps for $2 each: Chef, Fire, Octopus, Helmet and Parachute. Children of the 1980s (or avid Smash Bros players) will recognize all as classics. The apps actually have release dates scattered over the past few months, but the single-digit number of reviews, and the fact that we're just now hearing about this, makes me believe this was an Apple approval glitch (app release dates often do not match the date of their actual release).

Octopus Game

As our friends at Kotaku point out, these are most certainly not officially licensed Nintendo apps, so Game & Watch's days of flipping fish out of the frying pan on your iPhone/iTouch are probably numbered. They're hiding under the "GW" moniker in the store; grab 'em while the grabbin's good.

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Gaming

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New In 2009: Wii MotionPlus

January 2nd 2009 00:58

Nintendo may have fulfilled the promise of the Wii, finally offering a motion controller as accurate and responsive as we'd all hoped the Wiimote to be originally. If Nintendo can coax developers to support Wii Motion Plus, we can expect some killer Wii titles in '09 (on top of Wii Sports Resort in spring), but it might be 2010 before we see all that many compatible games.

The Nintendo Wii can finally be the absolutely amazing machine that many of us thought would never materialize—its tacit promises delivered at last. However, new titles designed for MotionPlus will not be playable with standard Wiimotes. While Nintendo isn't technically stopping third parties from making dual-compatible games, the fact that Nintendo's WiiSports Resort lacks such an option is a potential harbinger of a bad trend.

If developers support MotionPlus en masse, the peripheral will become a mandatory upgrade to Wii owners who just want to play new Wii games. And in the console market, that's an unprecedented requirement (update: yes, the PlayStation analog stick upgrade on the Dual Analog wasn't great, but Nintendo's upgrade may be a requirement so intrinsic to the system that it affects an overwhelming majority of titles.)

Nintendo are to be commended for fixing the shortcomings of their Wiimote. They didn't have to do so to win the console war and make boatloads of money. But it would have been nice if it worked better in the first place. And then we wouldn't have to put up with the kids telling us their brand new console is already obsolete.

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Posted By: KC Hill - Category: Gaming

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Logitech Speed Force Wireless for the Nintendo Wii

August 27th 2008 00:04

Logitech has unleashed the Speed Force Wireless force feedback racing wheel on the Nintendo Wii to give gamers a more realistic driving experience on the popular console.

Utilising Logitech's 2.4 GHz wireless technology, the steering wheel is lag-free for a range of up to 30 feet away from the console. Finished in a simple one-piece design and with colours mimicking that of the Wii, the Speed Force Wireless is easy to use and all it requires is the gamer to connect the USB receiver to the Wii, plug in the wheel's power cord, and off you go.

The lap rest is completely adjustable and easy to a comfortable position with no mounting or assembly involved. When not in use, the USB receiver can be stowed in a convenient compartment on the bottom of the wheel.

The steering wheel also features built-in gas and brake controls located on the wheel itself.

According to Nintendo and Logitech, the newest force feedback wheel works with Electronic Arts' Need for Speed Undercover and paves the way for more force feedback racing titles on the Wii but what's more worrying is whether or not the steering wheel will work on other Wii racing titles like Mario Kart. Price: $149.95.

Nintendo Wii Speed Force Wireless Racing Wheel

If you have a tip, don't hesitate to leave a comment and help us out. [logitech.com]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gaming

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Special edition Stella Artois Sony PSP

August 26th 2008 08:20

The limited edition Stella Artois Sony PSP

What's beer and video games got in common I hear you say? Apart from knocking back a few schooners of our national drink - we Aussies loves our beer - over a night in with a couple of mates, kicking their backsides at Pro Evolution Soccer, there's not a lot really.

Which is why I fail to see the point of a limited edition Stella Artois PSP. By all accounts, this isn't an official Sony product but rather, the handiwork of Fosters’ - Stella Artois' parent company - sales team.

Featuring a Stella graphic on the back in place of the regular PSP logo, this limited edition Stella Artois PSP also comes in a rather nice looking pouch emblazed with the Stella logo which prevents scratching of the gadget - not sure if it's waterproof though, just in case you spill your grog in excitement of beating the high score on Puzzle Bobble!

Some 50 of these were reportedly produced for the Aussie Stella Artois sales team. Expect a few closet Toohey's drinkers to put theirs up for sale on eBay. [kotaku.com]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gadgets, Gaming

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Nintendo Wii keyboard by Logitech

August 11th 2008 23:20

Logitech has provided a solution to make communicating with friends and family on the Nintendo Wii game console much easier with the introduction of a new cordless keyboard specifically designed for chat-oriented games and use on the Wii internet channel.

The cordless keyboard is compact with a slim design and features 2.4 GHz wireless technology, special system keys such as zoom in/out, forward/back, quit and OK - making it heaps easy to use for communication with friends, surf the Web, read the news, check the weather, browse Internet videos and send e-mail. The compact and slim does not sacrifice usability - the keyboard’s primary keys are full size.

Easy to set up and put away, all you need to do to setup the keyboard is just plug the mini-receiver into the console and the keyboard is ready to use. When you’re finished using it, the receiver snaps into the back of the keyboard.

Finished in an elegant shade of polished white, the keyboard complements the clean, stylish appeal and colour of the Wii game console and remote to provide you with a comfortable typing experience.

Nintendo and Logitech recommends the keyboard for chatting with online friends and playing popular games such as Animal Crossing.

The Logitech Cordless Keyboard for Wii is expected to be available in Australia at the end of August with an rrp of $79.95. [logitech.com]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gaming

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Nintendo Wii2 on the way and it maybe Mind Controlled

August 1st 2008 03:48

Nintendo Wii 2 in 2010?

Could it be true?

As Nintendo’s stocks go through the roof and the Wii and DS continue to sell faster than Sonic the hedgehog at full blast this week comes confirmation that rather than relax with success the Wii 2 is currently in development.

A possible Wii 2 remote

Saturo Iwata, the President of Nintendo spoke to Forbes stating that the company is “always preparing for the next hardware” but that ultimately, it’s the games and the experience that will sell a console.

“The hardware is a kind of box that consumers reluctantly buy in order to play our games,” he said. Adding that the next-gen Wii is still very much “under development.”

“It’s natural for the current customer to expect Nintendo is going to once again do something different,” he said. “If the people are expecting so many different things from Nintendo, it’s going to be difficult for us to go beyond that expectation again.”

Speculation is already amping up that “something different” may include Nintendo embracing the newly tested Neural Headset Technology effectively making the Wii 2 the first mind controlled gaming platform.

T3 magazine even ran a feature story this month exploring the possibilities of such radical technology being put on the fast track through Research and Development. The images on this page are from that latest issue of T3.

Mind Control to Major Tom

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Gaming, Toys, Visual

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Logitech Driving Force Wireless steering wheel

July 16th 2008 05:59

While the release date of the much anticipated Gran Turismo 5 has yet to be confirmed, Logitech has continued to churn out impressive PS3 driving wheels and the latest model comes in-built with wireless technology for the first time.

The new Driving Force Wireless comes in a neat one-piece design with lap rest (expandable), wheel-mounted pad and action buttons while connecting wirelessly on a 2.4GHz band range.

The Logitech Driving Force Wireless steering wheel should be released sometime in August.
[engadget.com]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gaming

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New Xbox 360 with 60GB HDD

July 15th 2008 23:05

In an effort to boost flagging sales in the competitive gaming industry, Microsoft has upgraded its Xbox 360 console with a 60GB hard drive to be released in North America next month.

Priced at US$349, Microsoft also announced a $US50 price drop for the base model Xbox 360, which is inline with similar price drops in other countries including Australia and New Zealand.

The computer giants hopes this combination will allow it to make up some ground on Sony's PlayStation 3 which currently sits in second place behind the ultra-popular Nintendo Wii in the video game console market.

No news on whether Sony will retaliate with some sort of price reduction of their own, but the general consensus is the Japanese company is likely to stand firm on pricing and focus on delivering gamers with new must-have titles as this is what retains customers first and foremost.

Also, check out the new limited edition green and red coloured Xbox 360 controllers due out on September 30th. [xbox.com]

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gaming

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The Ultimate Porsche Experience

June 28th 2008 00:12

The Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel.

The ultimate Euroride

Whenever any kind of auto game, on a PC or PS3 has the option to race as the ultimate German Sports Car badged Porsche, in this house there is no substitute. Injecting another 500 horse power to the high octane illusion a site called Fanatec.com now sells an authentic Porsche steering wheel, 6 speed gear shift and 3 pedals clutch, brake and accelerate.

Strap yourself in and feel the G's!

The force feedback wheel is wrapped in leather so as your fingers clinch the circle of ultimate control a feeling of prestige should immediately lace the experience. The wireless pedals enhancing the driving simulation to a Porsche-centric zenith.

Breaking it down

Compatible with PC and PS3 only a 1 GB USB stick comes with the installation software.

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Gadgets, Gaming, Toys

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USB 3D Boxer Stress Relief

April 2nd 2008 00:05

Desktop World Title fight

Ding, Ding...get ready for round 1

Gadgetshop.com is a cool site that offers a variety of off the wall gizmos designed as much for entertainment as practicality. Cruising through the site I found a number of very tempting toys, which I will be posting on over the next few weeks.

First up comes a clever little alternate choice to a stress ball. It’s an interactive USB boxing figurine. The idea is simple, you work out your tensions by using mouse and keyboard to control a real world statue that sits beside the desktop.

The only reason I’m reluctant to purchase one is that I can see myself getting completely addicted to the thing.

Meet pain in the virtual world

From the gadgetshop.com site:

“The biggest hitting USB toy on record has just entered the ring - and he's an awesome sight. The USB Boxer is one of a fabulous new generation of computer games that are taking the action off the screen and on to your desktop in glorious 3D plastic. Now your interactive gameplay is about to get a good deal more physical.

Now, as you manipulate your keyboard, one can really see the punches land and feel the excitement build as you test both your skills and your rhythm. As each successive hit on the speedbag registers a score, fully interactive software keeps tabs on your performance and realistic boxing ring sounds add to the intensity of the atmosphere - making this a most satisfying way to get the day's office frustrations out of one's system.

The boxer puts you in the driving - or should that be punching - seat with an array of options to choose from, including the length of each 'round' as well as a whole set of game modes enabling you to take complete control or let the boxer loose to show you how it's meant to be done.

Then there's only three things left to do. Plug in. Power-up. Log-in. And let punchbag battle commence.”

Includes:

3 game modes: auto, manual and keystroke
Realistic arm movements
Bell and crowd sounds
Interactive software

Please Note
4 x AA batteries are required to operate the USB Boxer (batteries not included).

Specification
Dimensions: Height: 21.0cm Width: 13.5cm Depth: 13.5cm
Weight: 0.9Kg
Batteries: Energizer Ultraplus - AA Battery

Inspired by a post found on stuff.co.nz

In case your not already sold, check out this fun video of the USB boxer in action.

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Computers, Gadgets, Gaming, Toys

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Logitech Driving Force GT steering wheel for PS3

February 21st 2008 06:30

With the impending release of the ultra-realistic Gran Turismo 5 Prologue driving simulation game on the Playstation 3, Logitech has announced the Driving Force GT steering wheel made especially for the game.

Resembling a steering wheel out of a miniature Ferrari, the new addition to the Driving Force series is even fancier and realistic that its predecessors - the Driving Force EX and Driving Force Pro.

The wheel measures 11-inches in diametre and features a rubber-overmold rim, force feedback, full-size gas and brake pedals, sequential stick shift, wheel-mounted paddles, illuminated horn button (emblazoned with the official Gran Turismo logo), and an innovative new feature to wheel controllers: a 24-position real-time adjustment dial. The realtime adjustment dial allows fine tuning of the "brake bias, traction control and damper settings."

Could things get anymore realistic?!

The Driving Force GT is due out in May and will be priced in the region of AUD$250.00

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Posted By: Arnold - Category: Gaming

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Dress up as Pac-Man

November 2nd 2006 07:56

If you have too much time on your hands and want to make a statement to friends and family concerning your devotion to the world of video games, then you'd better take a closer look at the Pac-Man costume that was designed and built from ground up by Rluzinski.

This is a labor of love that requires patience and some technical know-how in piecing the entire suit together. You will need an entry-level notebook that is lightweight and a bunch of other items which are listed on his site. Just follow the instructions within and you won't go wrong.

You don't have to take the Pac-Man path though as there are always other arcade alternatives such as Galaga and Space Invaders. It is interesting to see how Rluzinski parks this Halloween get-up when he needs to take a leak.

Source: Portagames

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Gaming

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Atari 2600 on a keychain

October 8th 2006 04:38

Relive your younger heydays with these Atari Plug 'N Play Keychains from Basic Fun. At $14.95 a pop, you get to enjoy classics such as Asteroids, Missile Command, and Centipede in the form of a keychain. These keychains are actually miniature versions of the paddle and joystick controllers found on the Atari 2600. They even come with a separate pocket-sized reel which can hold a 2 meter cord with RCA connectors that allows you to plug it into a TV.

Graphically, all the games are similar to what you can find in the originals, but the controllers are a wee bit too small for you to own the AI. You will find yourself missing all those shots that you normally could take with your eyes closed, so try not to work yourself up too much and get a cardiac arrest in the process. Either that or you were never that good in the first place anyway. It's best to stick to stuff like Sudoku and crosswords, I reckon.

Source: Gearlog

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Posted By: Edwin - Category: Gaming

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