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	<title>THE Tech Scoop &#187; Video game</title>
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		<title>Hulu Social Viewing</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2011/08/23/hulu-social-viewing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2011/08/23/hulu-social-viewing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:37:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James Hicks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tech Bytes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hulu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=23562</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s been a few months since I logged into Hulu. Finally did today as I was wanting to watch something funny, had Family Guy on my mind for some reason&#8230; Anyways, I found it interesting and well put together how Hulu has integrated the social sharing/viewing aspect. I&#8217;m still not ready to upgrade to a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/04/27/would-you-pay-for-hulu/hulu/" rel="attachment wp-att-5035"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5035" title="hulu" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/hulu-600x3373.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="337" /></a></p>
<p>It&#8217;s been a few months since I logged into Hulu.</p>
<p>Finally did today as I was wanting to watch something funny, had Family Guy on my mind for some reason&#8230;</p>
<p>Anyways, I found it interesting and well put together how Hulu has integrated the social sharing/viewing aspect.</p>
<p><object width="512" height="288" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="src" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/ldH6hmTiMwKuWyEGRZUy2A" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed width="512" height="288" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/ldH6hmTiMwKuWyEGRZUy2A" allowFullScreen="true" allowfullscreen="true" /></object></p>
<p>I&#8217;m still not ready to upgrade to a Hulu Plus account, but I am impressed with their overall implementation and selection.</p>
<p>Oh and by the way, here is a clip from the Family Guy episode I so desperately wanted to see</p>
<p><iframe width="600" height="450" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2WNrx2jq184?fs=1&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img alt="Avatar of %s" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/23222_624316777_6248_q.jpg" class="avatar" /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='James Hicks'>James Hicks</a></h3><p>James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hicksnewmedia.com&sref=rss">HicksNewMedia</a>, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">about.me</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2F110215439685819758678&sref=rss">Google+</a></p><p><a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hicks'>Website</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hickson Twitter'>Twitter</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss" title='James Hicks on Facebook'>Facebook</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='More posts by James Hicks'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div><!-- ongig -->
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		<title>Sony Rebuilds Playstation Network Security After Breach</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2011/04/26/sony-rebuilds-playstation-network-security-after-breach/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2011/04/26/sony-rebuilds-playstation-network-security-after-breach/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:58:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Wayne Dixon</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sony Playstation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=21850</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sony has had its share of troubles with security regarding the &#160;Playstation Network (PSN). Between the Call of Duty Black Ops multiplayer fiasco and hacked accounts it can be a major headache just trying to keep gamers happy. &#160;That job just got a lot tougher. &#160;Sony has suffered a multi-day PSN outage. &#160;As of this [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_21853" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 328px"><a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Sony.PSN_.04252011.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-21853" title="Sony.PSN.04252011" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Sony.PSN_.04252011.png" alt="Sony Playstation Network Logo" width="318" height="95" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sony Playstation Logo</p></div>
<p>Sony has had its share of troubles with security regarding the &nbsp;Playstation Network (PSN). Between the Call of Duty Black Ops multiplayer fiasco and hacked accounts it can be a major headache just trying to keep gamers happy. &nbsp;That job just got a lot tougher. &nbsp;Sony has suffered a multi-day PSN outage. &nbsp;As of this writing it is day five of the outage. &nbsp;Sony has confirmed that PSN has been infiltrated by an &#8216;external intrusion&#8217;.</p>
<p>The following is directly from Sony: &#8220;An external intrusion on our system has affected our PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. In order to conduct a thorough investigation and to verify the smooth and secure operation of our network services going forward, we turned off PlayStation Network &amp; Qriocity services on the evening of Wednesday, April 20th.&#8221;.</p>
<p>This outage is the longest that Sony has suffered in quite a while. Sony has not yet acknowledged if Playstation Network User&#8217;s information has been compromised in anyway. On a positive note, Playstation 3 owners are still able to update games as well as play single-player modes, however match-making is not working.</p>
<p>Sony has been regularly updating its <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwcd.me%2FhBCYAI&sref=rss">blog</a> with updates regarding the PSN outage.  I applaud Sony for taking a hit now in order to make sure that this type of attack and prolonged outage do not happen in the future. I know it upsets Playstation 3 owners because they cannot play online, but I would rather see Sony set up a good foundation for the future rather than just do a quick fix and have to go back later and rebuild again.</p>
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<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/b2114b2562c33724b5de040f3557d8f6?d=retro&amp;s=100" alt="Avatar of Wayne Dixon" class="avatar user-174-avatar" width='100' height='100' title='Wayne Dixon' /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/wayne/' title='Wayne Dixon'>Wayne Dixon</a></h3><p>I'm into anything technology related. I do some HTML/CSS/PHP development. I like to follow things that most people would find annoying or not worthwhile. I follow Apple, Microsoft, Google, The Cloud, cell phones and even programming. By Day I'm a Systems Administrator for a Library, which has it's own set of issues. Follow me on <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fwaynedixon&sref=rss">Twitter.</a></p><p><a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaynedixon.com&sref=rss" title='Wayne Dixon'>Website</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/wayne/' title='More posts by Wayne Dixon'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Warner Bros. and Sony Announce Mortal Kombat Character Exclusively on PS3</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/12/12/warner-bros-and-sony-announce-mortal-kombat-character-exclusively-on-ps3/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/12/12/warner-bros-and-sony-announce-mortal-kombat-character-exclusively-on-ps3/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 06:37:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James Hicks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortal Kombat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PlayStation 3]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=19588</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Great news for videogame players and fans of the Mortal Kombat game&#8230; Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC recently announced that Mortal Kombat, the award-winning fighting game created by NetherRealm Studios, will add Kratos, from the multi-million unit-selling God of War franchise, as a new warrior to their line-up exclusively for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/mortal_kombat.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-19590" title="Mortal Kombat" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/mortal_kombat-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" /></a>Great news for videogame players and fans of the <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/mortal_kombat_1995" title="Mortal Kombat" rel="amazon" href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMortal-Kombat-Christopher-Lambert%2Fdp%2F0790729997%253FSubscriptionId%253D0G81C5DAZ03ZR9WH9X82%2526tag%253Dhick-20%2526linkCode%253Dxm2%2526camp%253D2025%2526creative%253D165953%2526creativeASIN%253D0790729997&sref=rss">Mortal Kombat</a> game&#8230;</p>
<p><a class="zem_slink freebase/en/warner_bros_i_e" title="Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment" rel="homepage" href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbgames.com%2F&sref=rss">Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment</a> and <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/sony_computer_entertainment" title="Sony Computer Entertainment" rel="homepage" href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scei.co.jp%2Findex_e.html&sref=rss">Sony Computer Entertainment America</a> LLC recently announced that Mortal Kombat, the award-winning fighting game created by NetherRealm Studios, will add Kratos, from the multi-million unit-selling God of War franchise, as a new warrior to their line-up exclusively for the PlayStation 3.  Kratos will have his own customized move set, fatality, and fighting arena available when Mortal Kombat hits stores worldwide in April 2011.</p>
<p>&#8220;When we were approached with the opportunity, it was a no-brainer.  Fans of both games have been asking for this to happen,&#8221; said Stig Asmussen, Game Director, God of War III.  &#8220;Kratos belongs in Mortal Kombat, and I&#8217;m thrilled about the potential.&#8221;</p>
<p>Through the exclusive partnership between Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, Kratos will face off against the most renowned Mortal Kombat fighters, including Scorpion and Sub Zero, and the game will be available in Stereoscopic 3-D on the PS3.</p>
<p>&#8220;We could not be more excited to have Kratos in the new Mortal Kombat, since we&#8217;ve always felt he would fit perfectly into our universe and can&#8217;t wait for Mortal Kombat and God of War fans to play this game,&#8221; says Ed Boon, Creative Director of NetherRealm Studios. &#8220;Not only is Kratos in the game, but we have an exciting partnership with Sony to develop Mortal Kombat in Stereoscopic 3-D, which makes the fighting experience much more immersive&#8221;</p>
<p>The newest chapter of Mortal Kombat, releasing in April 2011 for the PS3 and Xbox 360, marks a triumphant return to the series&#8217; mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2-D fighting mechanic.</p>
<p>Mortal Kombat will also introduce a number of new game-play features including tag team, a deeper story mode, and nostalgic arcade battle online and offline. Players will be able to choose from an extensive line-up of the game&#8217;s iconic warriors and challenge their friends in traditional 1 vs. 1 matches as well as several new game modes.</p>
<p>Stay in-tune with Mortal Kombat online &#8211; Check out the Mortal Kombat Facebook page <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmortalkombat&sref=rss" target="_blank">here</a>, follow on Twitter @MK_MortalKombat, and don&#8217;t forget the good old-fashioned web site at <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.themortalkombat.com&sref=rss" target="_blank">www.themortalkombat.com</a>.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=f7ecadfe-95b3-46a6-a5d1-2b5f73790294" alt="" /><span class="zem-script more-related more-info pretty-attribution"><script src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></span></div>
<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img alt="Avatar of %s" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/23222_624316777_6248_q.jpg" class="avatar" /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='James Hicks'>James Hicks</a></h3><p>James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hicksnewmedia.com&sref=rss">HicksNewMedia</a>, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">about.me</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2F110215439685819758678&sref=rss">Google+</a></p><p><a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hicks'>Website</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hickson Twitter'>Twitter</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss" title='James Hicks on Facebook'>Facebook</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='More posts by James Hicks'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>One Stop Shop For Gamers</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/11/16/one-stop-shop-for-gamers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/11/16/one-stop-shop-for-gamers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:32:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James Hicks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=19058</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In what is being deemed a revolutionary move, GameMine is introducing the &#8216;buy, sell and trade&#8217; video game market found at major &#8220;brick and mortar&#8221; retailers at an online alternative hosted on its new website, www.gamemine.com. Registration is now FREE, providing access to all features on the website including, game information, purchasing, preordering, renting, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/gamemine.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19059" title="gamemine" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/gamemine.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="285" /></a></p>
<p>In what is being deemed a revolutionary move, <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamemine.com%2F&sref=rss" target="_blank">GameMine</a> is introducing the &#8216;buy, sell and trade&#8217; video game market found at major &#8220;brick and mortar&#8221; retailers at an online alternative hosted on its new website, <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamemine.com%2F&sref=rss" target="_blank">www.gamemine.com</a>.</p>
<p>Registration is now FREE, providing access to all features on the website including, game information, purchasing, preordering, renting, and trading towards purchase or for cash.  GameMine offers an unprecedented inventory to support its release and maintains bleeding edge security for transactions.</p>
<p>Consumers can acquire game-trading values to compare with competitors through online tools found on GameMine&#8217;s website titled, &#8220;<em>What is My Game Worth?</em>&#8221;</p>
<p>In effort to support the platform and the company&#8217;s increasing membership base, GameMine has expanded its Distribution Centers, opening locations in New Jersey, Florida, and Nevada with a fourth location to open in the mid-west shortly after release.</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;GameMine: The Game Station, now offers the best of both worlds of retail and rental.  With a &#8216;keystroke,&#8217; consumers can now &#8216;buy, sell, trade, and rent&#8217; video games for their home or portable console, and in the comfort of their own home using www.gamemine.com.  A new day has dawned from the restless sleep our economy had brought upon the world.  We humbly hope our success represents the perseverance of the &#8216;little guy&#8217; surviving the worst economic downturn our country had faced in a century,&#8221; states Mr. Daniel J. Shamy, CEO.</p></blockquote>
<p>I checked out the site this evening &#8211; looks like they have all the primary consoles covered; everything ranging from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.</p>
<p>Get your holiday game shopping started!</p>
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<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img alt="Avatar of %s" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/23222_624316777_6248_q.jpg" class="avatar" /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='James Hicks'>James Hicks</a></h3><p>James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hicksnewmedia.com&sref=rss">HicksNewMedia</a>, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">about.me</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2F110215439685819758678&sref=rss">Google+</a></p><p><a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hicks'>Website</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hickson Twitter'>Twitter</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss" title='James Hicks on Facebook'>Facebook</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='More posts by James Hicks'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>PS3 System Update Available</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/09/06/ps3-system-update-available/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/09/06/ps3-system-update-available/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:27:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James Hicks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PlayStation 3]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PlayStation Network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sony]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=18053</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Update: Just like that &#8211; 3.42 is now available and it&#8217;s a mandatory update if you want to continue to use the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store. None of the cool functionality is in this update, as was in 3.41 (as described below). This latest update seems to target specifically a &#8220;hardware security issue&#8221;, per [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Update: </strong>Just like that &#8211; 3.42 is now available and it&#8217;s a mandatory update if you want to continue to use the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store.</p>
<p>None of the cool functionality is in this update, as was in 3.41 (as described below). This latest update seems to target specifically a &#8220;hardware security issue&#8221;, per the folks out of Sony Japan &#8211; more than likely this is a patch for the PSJailbreak.</p>
<p>Our good friends at Sony have pushed out an update to the <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/playstation_3" title="PlayStation 3" rel="wikipedia" href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPlayStation_3&sref=rss">PlayStation 3</a>. Check below for all the goodness that is in release 3.41</p>
<h4>Settings</h4>
<p><strong>Deep Color Output (HDMI)</strong></p>
<p>[Deep Color/Colour Output (HDMI)] has been added as an option under <img title="Settings" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_icn_settings.gif" alt="Settings" /> (Settings) &gt;  <img title="Display Settings" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_display_settings.gif" border="0" alt="Display Settings" /> (Display Settings). When your system is connected via an HDMI cable, you can set whether to output video using the Deep Color signal by selecting [Automatic] or [Off].</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%" bordercolor="#999999">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="30" valign="middle">Automatic</td>
<td valign="middle">Enable video output using the Deep Color signal if your TV supports this signal.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="30" valign="middle">Off</td>
<td valign="middle">Disable video output using the Deep Color signal.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<ul>
<li>If there is video noise or the colors do not look right when the option is set to [Automatic], set it to [Off].</li>
</ul>
<h4>Automatic Download</h4>
<p>[Automatic Download] has been added as a feature under <img title="Settings" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_icn_settings1.gif" alt="Settings" /> (Settings) &gt; <img title="System Settings" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_icn_ps3_systemsettings.png" border="0" alt="System Settings" /> (System Settings). Trial versions of games, game update data, video files and the latest system software update data can be automatically downloaded and installed according to the time period you set. This feature is exclusively for use by PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus members.</p>
<p><img title="Automatic Download" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/auto_download.jpg" border="0" alt="Automatic Download" /></p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" bordercolor="#999999">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td height="30" valign="middle">On</td>
<td valign="middle">Set to use the automatic download feature.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="30" valign="middle">Off</td>
<td valign="middle">Set to not use the automatic download feature.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<ul>
<li>After selecting [On], use the directional buttons to select the time period during which you want the system to automatically download the content. If required, follow the on-screen instructions to confirm settings for automatic login to your system under <img title="Users" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_user.gif" alt="Users" /> (Users) and automatic sign-in to your PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network account.</li>
<li>This feature can be used on only one PS3™ system per PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network account. When this feature is set to [On] and [Automatic Download] has already been set on another PS3™ system using the same PSN account, the setting on the other PS3™ system will be automatically set to [Off].</li>
<li>The PS3™ system must be in standby mode (power indicator is lit solid red) during the time period when you want the system to automatically download the content.</li>
<li>System software update data will be downloaded automatically but not installed. You must install the system software update data manually.</li>
<li><img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_plus.gif" alt="" /> is displayed for content that has been automatically downloaded. Any content that has been automatically downloaded and installed but has not been used will be automatically deleted after one month.</li>
<li>Automatic download will not be performed if the amount of free space on your system’s hard disk is less than 5 GB.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Photo</h4>
<p><strong>PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network Area of Photo Gallery</strong></p>
<p>[PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network Area] has been added under <img title="Photo Gallery" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_photo_gallery.gif" border="0" alt="Photo Gallery" /> (Photo Gallery). You can now use Photo Gallery to browse photos from Facebook or Picasa™ Web Albums. You can also share photos from Photo Gallery with your Friends in PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network. To use this feature, you must have a PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network account as well as an account with Facebook or Picasa™ Web Albums.</p>
<p><img title="PlayStation®Network Area of Photo Gallery" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/photog_networkarea.jpg" border="0" alt="PlayStation®Network Area of Photo Gallery" /></p>
<p><strong>Browsing photos on Facebook or Picasa™ Web Albums</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In [Library Area] of Photo Gallery, press the R1 button on the DUALSHOCK<sup>®</sup>3 wireless controller two times.</strong><br />
You will be directed to [PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network Area]. The sign-in screen will be displayed if you are not yet signed in to PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network.</li>
<li><strong>Select [Facebook] or [Picasa™ Web Albums], and then enter your account information.</strong></li>
<li>If you want to enter account information for both Facebook and Picasa™ Web Albums, press the <img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_tri_icn.gif" border="0" alt="" /> button in [PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network  Area], and then select <img title="Add Network Service" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_add_network_service.gif" border="0" alt="Add Network Service" /> (Add Network Service) to enter account information for the other network service.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Uploading a photo</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In [Library Area] or [Playlist Area] of Photo Gallery, select the photo or playlist that you want to upload, and then press the <img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_tri_icn1.gif" border="0" alt="" /> button.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Select</strong> <img title="Upload" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_photo_upload.png" border="0" alt="Upload" /><strong> (Upload).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Select [Facebook] or [Picasa™ Web Albums].</strong><br />
A login screen for the network service will be displayed if you are not already logged in to the service.</li>
<li><strong>Select the album to which you want to add the photo.</strong><br />
To create a new album, select ［Create New Album］.</li>
<li><strong>Edit the album information, and then select [Upload].</strong><br />
You can view the uploaded album from [PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network Area] of Photo Gallery or by accessing the network service from a Web browser.</li>
</ul>
<p><img title="Uploading a photo" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/photo_view_all.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploading a photo" /></p>
<p><strong>Sharing an uploaded album with Friends</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In [PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network Area], select the album that you want to share, and then press the </strong><img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_tri_icn2.gif" border="0" alt="" /> <strong>button.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Select [Share This Album].</strong><br />
Edit the message that is displayed, and then select the Friend to whom you want to send the message.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Editing an album</strong></p>
<p>You can edit the title or description of an album.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In [PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network Area], select the album that you want to edit, and then press the <img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_tri_icn3.gif" border="0" alt="" /> button.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Select</strong> <img title="Edit" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/edit_playlist.gif" border="0" alt="Edit" /> <strong>(Edit) to edit the album.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Adding comments to a photo</strong></p>
<p>You can add comments to a photo.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>In [PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network Area], select the photo that you want to add comments to, and then press the</strong> <img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_tri_icn4.gif" border="0" alt="" /> <strong>button</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Select</strong> <img title="Comment" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_comment.gif" border="0" alt="Comment" /> <strong>(Comment) to add comments on the screen that is displayed.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><img title="Adding comments to a photo" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/photo_comment.jpg" border="0" alt="Adding comments to a photo" /></p>
<ul>
<li>You cannot delete comments for a photo that is viewed in Photo Gallery. To delete comments, access the photo by logging in to Facebook or Picasa™ Web Albums from a Web browser, and then delete the comments.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Photo</h4>
<p><strong>Printing a photo in Photo Gallery</strong></p>
<p>You can now print a photo in <img title="Photo Gallery" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_photo_gallery1.gif" border="0" alt="Photo Gallery" /> (Photo Gallery).</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Connect a printer to the PS3™ system.</strong></li>
<li><strong>In</strong> <img title="Photo Gallery" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_photo_gallery2.gif" border="0" alt="Photo Gallery" /> <strong>(Photo Gallery), select the photo that you want to print, and then press the &#8211; button.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Select</strong> <img title="Print" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_print_ps3.png" border="0" alt="Print" /> <strong>Print</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Check the print settings.</strong><br />
You can press the <img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_tri_icn5.gif" border="0" alt="" /> button to display the options menu. You can adjust settings such as the number of copies to be printed. The settings that are available vary depending on the printer in use.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>To use this feature, you must first set up the printer under <img title="Settings" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_icn_settings.gif" border="0" alt="Settings" /> (Settings) &gt; <img title="Printer Settings" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_print_settings.gif" border="0" alt="Printer Settings" /> (Printer Settings) &gt; [Printer Selection].</li>
<li>For information about printers that can be used, visit the <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fus.playstation.com%2Fsupport%2Findex.htm&sref=rss">PlayStation<sup>®</sup> Knowledge Center</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Deleting a photo in Photo Gallery</p>
<p>You can now delete a photo in <img title="Photo Gallery" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_photo_gallery3.gif" border="0" alt="Photo Gallery" /> (Photo Gallery). Select the photo that you want to delete, press the &#8211; button, and then select <img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_delete.gif" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<ul>
<li>The deleted photo is also deleted from your PS3™ system.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Video</h4>
<p><strong>Video Editor and Uploader</strong></p>
<p>Using the video editing and uploading feature, you can now edit video content that is saved on your PS3™ system’s hard disk and upload it to a network service (Facebook or YouTube™).</p>
<ul>
<li>Video that was saved on your system’s hard disk before updating the system software to version 3.41, copyright-protected video and content set with parental control restrictions cannot be edited or uploaded to a network service.</li>
</ul>
<p><img title="Video Editor and Uploader" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/videoupload_en.jpg" border="0" alt="Video Editor and Uploader" /></p>
<p><strong>Editing and uploading video content</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Select</strong> <img title="Video" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ps_icn_video.gif" border="0" alt="Video" /> <strong>(Video) &gt;</strong> <img title="Video Editor &amp; Uploader" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_photo_upload1.png" border="0" alt="Video Editor &amp; Uploader" /><strong>(Video Editor &amp; Uploader)</strong>.<br />
When using <img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_photo_upload2.png" border="0" alt="" /> (Video Editor &amp; Uploader) for the first time, you must download and install software. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operation.</li>
<li><strong>Select</strong> <img title="Create New Video" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_create_new_video.gif" border="0" alt="Create New Video" /> <strong>(Create New Video)</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Select</strong> <img title="Add" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_create_new_video1.gif" border="0" alt="Add" /> <strong>(Add), and then select the content to be edited. </strong><br />
The video content is added to the list of content items for editing. When the content is added, select [Continue].</li>
<li><strong>Edit the video.</strong><br />
Using <img title="Edit" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_cut_video.gif" border="0" alt="Edit" /> (Edit), you can remove specific scenes or add text (or characters). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operation. You can preview the edited video by selecting <img src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_review.gif" border="0" alt="" />.</li>
<p><img title="Edit the video" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/edit_video_upload.jpg" border="0" alt="Edit the video" /></p>
<li><strong>Select [Finish].</strong><br />
You can save the edited video content on your system’s hard disk or upload it to a network service. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operation.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>By selecting <img title="Add" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/icn_create_new_video2.gif" border="0" alt="Add" /> (Add) in step 3, you can continue to add content items and combine them into one video file.</li>
</ul>
<h4>PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network</h4>
<p><strong>PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus subscription service</strong></p>
<p>The PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus subscription service package is now included on PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network.</p>
<p><img title="PlayStation®Plus subscription service" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/3_40_updatesite_ps_plus.jpg" border="0" alt="PlayStation®Plus subscription service" /></p>
<h4><strong>What is PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus?</strong></h4>
<p>PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus is a subscription service package that provides a number of added features to PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network. Membership to this service can be purchased from PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Store. As a PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus member, you can enjoy the following services:</p>
<ul>
<li>Receive special discounts and free items from PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Store.</li>
<li>Take advantage of pre-sale opportunities.</li>
<li>Obtain premium avatars and themes.</li>
<li>Enjoy priority invite privileges to beta testing opportunities for select online games.</li>
<li>Play some featured full-length games for a limited time prior to purchase.</li>
<li>Automatically download and install game update data, video files and demo versions of some games.</li>
<li>Automatically download system software update data.</li>
<li>Content and types of services available for PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus members vary depending on the country or region where the PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Network account is registered. For details, select <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fus.playstation.com%2Fplaystation-plus%2F&sref=rss">here</a></li>
<li>For details about the automatic download feature, select <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fus.playstation.com%2Fplaystation-plus%2F&sref=rss">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="pplus"><strong>Subscribing to PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus</strong></h4>
<p>You can purchase a PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus subscription service membership*  from PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Store in the same way as you purchase other items. Upon purchase of a PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus subscription, the PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus logo will be displayed next to your avatar in the XMB™ menu, as well as with features or PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Store content exclusive to PlayStation<sup>®</sup>Plus.</p>
<p><img title="Subscribing to PlayStation®Plus" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/plus002.jpg" border="0" alt="Subscribing to PlayStation®Plus" /></p>
<p>*Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a membership.</p>
<p>[<a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fus.playstation.com&sref=rss" target="_blank">via</a> | hat tip<a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joystiq.com&sref=rss" target="_blank"> joystiq</a>]</p>
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<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img alt="Avatar of %s" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/23222_624316777_6248_q.jpg" class="avatar" /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='James Hicks'>James Hicks</a></h3><p>James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hicksnewmedia.com&sref=rss">HicksNewMedia</a>, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">about.me</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2F110215439685819758678&sref=rss">Google+</a></p><p><a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hicks'>Website</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hickson Twitter'>Twitter</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss" title='James Hicks on Facebook'>Facebook</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='More posts by James Hicks'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Best Buy Video Game Trade-in Program</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/08/27/best-buy-video-game-trade-in-program/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/08/27/best-buy-video-game-trade-in-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:23:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James Hicks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Buy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=17871</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gaming enthusiasts nationwide now have more reasons to shop Best Buy as their gaming destination. Launching in close to 600 Best Buy stores this week, with additional stores to soon follow, the new Best Buy Trade-In program offers customers an opportunity to sell pre-owned video games. To celebrate the new offering, customers who trade in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/best-buy-logo.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-17872" title="best-buy-logo" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/best-buy-logo-300x196.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="196" /></a>Gaming enthusiasts nationwide now have more reasons to shop <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/best_buy" title="NYSE: BBY" rel="yahoofinance" href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fq%3Fs%3DBBY&sref=rss">Best Buy</a> as their gaming destination.</p>
<p>Launching in close to 600 Best Buy stores this week, with additional stores to soon follow, the new Best Buy Trade-In program offers customers an opportunity to sell pre-owned video games.</p>
<p>To celebrate the new offering, customers who trade in their games beginning this Sunday, August 29, will receive a $20 Best Buy Gift Card on more than 100 popular titles.</p>
<blockquote><p>“The expansion of our trade-in program reaffirms our commitment to consistently pursue new ways to bring a better gaming experience to consumers,” said Chris Homeister, senior vice president and general manager for the home entertainment group at Best Buy. “Fall marks the launch of several highly-anticipated gaming titles and new technology, and we’re thrilled to provide gamers with innovative ways to connect with the games they love.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Consumers can now bring their previously played video games into Best Buy and trade them for an instant Best Buy gift card to use for purchasing anything in the store, including any game or gaming accessory. Soon, they will be able to purchase a pre-owned game as well.</p>
<p>Those who take advantage of the new Trade-In program in store can visit the Customer Service desk, or in select locations a dedicated Trade-In desk within the gaming department, to turn in their games.</p>
<p>Best Buy will continue to offer  a similar program online at BestBuy.com that enables customers to get estimates for their games, mail them in for free and receive a Best Buy gift card 7-14 days later. Trade-In prices in-store will match the prices shown online.</p>
<p>For more information on Trade-In at Best Buy and to locate a store currently participating in the program, visit <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fgametradein&sref=rss" target="_blank">www.bestbuy.com/gametradein</a>. Stay connected to Best Buy Gaming via Twitter @RZGamersClub and Facebook at <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2FFacebook.com%2FBestBuyGaming&sref=rss" target="_blank">Facebook.com/BestBuyGaming</a>.</p>
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<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img alt="Avatar of %s" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/23222_624316777_6248_q.jpg" class="avatar" /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='James Hicks'>James Hicks</a></h3><p>James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hicksnewmedia.com&sref=rss">HicksNewMedia</a>, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">about.me</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2F110215439685819758678&sref=rss">Google+</a></p><p><a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hicks'>Website</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hickson Twitter'>Twitter</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss" title='James Hicks on Facebook'>Facebook</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='More posts by James Hicks'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>NBA 2K11</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/08/19/nba-2k11/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/08/19/nba-2k11/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:51:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James Hicks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Jordan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NBA 2K11]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=17608</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Developer Visual Concepts has released a new trailer for NBA2K11, the first 2K game to feature Michael Jordan. Developed by Visual Concepts, and published by 2K games, the game will feature all the traditional basketball modes you would expect, including quick play, online games and the ability to design your own player and guide him [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/nba2k11.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17618" title="nba2k11" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/nba2k11.png" alt="" width="585" height="384" /></a></p>
<p>Developer <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/visual_concepts" title="Visual Concepts" rel="wikipedia" href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FVisual_Concepts&sref=rss">Visual Concepts</a> has released a new trailer for NBA2K11, the first 2K game to feature Michael Jordan.</p>
<p>Developed by Visual Concepts, and published by 2K games, the game will feature all the traditional basketball modes you would expect, including quick play, online games and the ability to design your own player and guide him through the D-Leagues to the pros. NBA 2K11 will also introduce “The Jordan Challenge”, a series of 10 memorable moments that will let players experience some of Jordan’s most memorable performances throughout his career. The challenges will be games with goals, including scoring 69 points or more in the March 28, 1990 game against the Cavaliers, and average 31 points or better through the 1991 NBA Finals against the Lakers- a second goal in that series would be to shoot better than 55-percent from the field.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=8zMXFuMTqlG7a44Njs9ScPuyTOfukQ0J&amp;deepLinkEmbedCode=8zMXFuMTqlG7a44Njs9ScPuyTOfukQ0J&amp;width=610&amp;height=342"></script></p>
<p>NBA 2K11 is due out on all major platforms and handhelds on <strong>October 5, 2010</strong>.</p>
<p>[<a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitaltrends.com&sref=rss" target="_blank">via</a>]</p>
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<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img alt="Avatar of %s" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/23222_624316777_6248_q.jpg" class="avatar" /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='James Hicks'>James Hicks</a></h3><p>James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hicksnewmedia.com&sref=rss">HicksNewMedia</a>, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">about.me</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2F110215439685819758678&sref=rss">Google+</a></p><p><a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hicks'>Website</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hickson Twitter'>Twitter</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss" title='James Hicks on Facebook'>Facebook</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='More posts by James Hicks'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Hooked On StarCraft II In South Korea</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/08/14/hooked-on-starcraft-ii-in-south-korea/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/08/14/hooked-on-starcraft-ii-in-south-korea/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Aug 2010 03:24:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James Hicks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[StarCraft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=17466</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In high-tech South Korea &#8212; which has one of the highest broadband penetration rates in the world &#8212; the StarCraft video game series has spawned devotion more akin to professional sports teams. Indeed, video game players there can get lucractive contracts from professional teams with corporate sponsorships. Games of large tournaments are broadcast live on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/starcraft2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17491" title="starcraft2" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/starcraft2.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="399" /></a></p>
<p>In high-tech <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/south_korea" title="South Korea" rel="geolocation" href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2Fmaps%3Fll%3D37.5833333333%2C127.0%26amp%3Bspn%3D10.0%2C10.0%26amp%3Bq%3D37.5833333333%2C127.0+%28South%2520Korea%29%26amp%3Bt%3Dh&sref=rss">South Korea</a> &#8212; which has one of the highest broadband penetration rates in the world &#8212; the StarCraft video game series has spawned devotion more akin to professional sports teams.</p>
<p>Indeed, video game players there can get lucractive contracts from professional teams with corporate sponsorships. Games of large tournaments are broadcast live on television in South Korea.</p>
<p>The first StarCraft game, produced by Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine, California, came out in 1998 when the South Korean economy was melting down during the Asian Financial Crisis.</p>
<p>&#8220;It was in the middle of an economic recession and (StarCraft) was easy, cheap entertainment. It really took over and just captivated a nation,&#8221; said Fields, a 20-year-old New Jersey native recruited two years ago to play StarCraft for the South Korean team CJ Entus.</p>
<p>In a nod to the game&#8217;s popularity in South Korea, Blizzard first announced plans for StarCraft II at the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational in Seoul in May 2007.</p>
<p>About 90 percent of South Korean households are connected to high-speed broadband and the nation has some 25,000 internet cafes, which took in $600 million last year, according to government figures. The gaming market is expected to be worth $5.5 billion this year with a 17 percent growth rate, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).</p>
<p>StarCraft II was first released Tuesday in South Korea and other Asian nations. The original game sold about 11 million copies worldwide .</p>
<p>While gamers in South Korea are lining up to get copies of the new title, StarCraft II could be a game changer in the country&#8217;s professional circuit, Fields said.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><object id="ep" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="416" height="374" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="src" value="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&amp;videoId=tech/2010/07/27/stout.starcraft.skorea.fields.cnn" /><embed id="ep" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="416" height="374" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&amp;videoId=tech/2010/07/27/stout.starcraft.skorea.fields.cnn" bgcolor="#000000" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>&#8220;In StarCraft II, the leagues aren&#8217;t established yet, they&#8217;re all building up &#8212; it&#8217;s going to be huge, but we don&#8217;t know how long it will take, how huge it will be, whether (existing teams) will be good at the game or not,&#8221; Fields said.</p>
<p>[<a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcnn.com&sref=rss" target="_blank">via</a>]</p>
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<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img alt="Avatar of %s" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/23222_624316777_6248_q.jpg" class="avatar" /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='James Hicks'>James Hicks</a></h3><p>James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hicksnewmedia.com&sref=rss">HicksNewMedia</a>, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss">about.me</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2F110215439685819758678&sref=rss">Google+</a></p><p><a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabout.me%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hicks'>Website</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjameshicks&sref=rss" title='James Hickson Twitter'>Twitter</a> - <a href="http://redirectingat.com?id=7143X661790&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FHicksNewMedia&sref=rss" title='James Hicks on Facebook'>Facebook</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/jhicks/' title='More posts by James Hicks'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Microsoft&#8217;s Milo: A Virtual 4-Year-Old Boy</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/07/16/microsofts-milo-a-virtual-4-year-old-boy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/07/16/microsofts-milo-a-virtual-4-year-old-boy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James Hicks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

		
Think of Milo as a real child in a virtual world. In Microsoft's words, he's "the world's first real virtual character who is convincing enough to be considered human." Video after the break.
The player's voice commands and physical movements are...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First there was Microsoft Bob, now there is Milo.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/microsoft_milo.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11384" title="microsoft_milo" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/microsoft_milo-300x183.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="183" /></a>Milo is a four-year-old virtual boy, unveiled by Microsoft as the world’s first real virtual character who is convincing enough to be considered‘human’.</p>
<p>The player’s voice commands and physical movements are picked up by an infra-red sensor which works with artificial intelligence to interpret the player’s intonation and meaning, and respond accordingly.</p>
<p>Microsoft claims the game marks a major shift away from joystick-based entertainment and brings science fiction into life.</p>
<p>‘Milo’ is a story-telling game about a little boy who&#8217;s unhappy because his family has moved from London to New England in America and his parents are too busy to listen to what&#8217;s on his mind.</p>
<p>Developer Peter Molyneux said he wanted to recreate the feeling he had as a four-year-old boy when his father told him a story about a robot.</p>
<p>He admitted that when he first showed off Milo ‘there was a huge row online about that with people saying &#8216;this can&#8217;t be real’’.</p>
<p>But he assured them it was and said he started the project because he wanted to ‘introduce a new revolution in storytelling.</p>
<p>‘Films, TV, even hallowed books, are just rubbish because they don&#8217;t involve me,’ he said. ‘It&#8217;s a sea of blandness.’</p>
<p>He added that he wanted to create a character ‘that seemed alive, that would look me in the eyes, and feel real.</p>
<p>Milo was first shown off in a demo at the E3 expo in 2009, but has not been seen since until the  TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) Global conference in Oxford.</p>
<p>‘We&#8217;re changing the mind of Milo constantly,’ Molyneux said. ‘No two people&#8217;s Milos can be the same &#8211; you are actually sculpting a human being. Some of the things you are doing will change the course of his life.’</p>
<p>Milo works with the soon-to-be released <a href="http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/06/19/are-gamers-ready-to-kinect/" target="_blank">Xbox 360 Kinect</a> controller &#8211; as series of sensors, microphones and cameras interpret the player’s actions movements.</p>
<p>That combines with artificial intelligence he has developed by his own company, Lionhead Studios, which made use of psychological techniques to make it feel ‘real’.</p>
<p>Particular attention was paid to Milo’s facial expressions which are incredibly realistic, allowing him to blush and his nostrils to dilate, indicating he is stressed.</p>
<p>The game is still in the early stages of development so will not be available for some time but it has already sparked serious excitement.</p>
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		<title>Are Gamers Ready To Kinect?</title>
		<link>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/06/19/are-gamers-ready-to-kinect/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thetechscoop.net/2010/06/19/are-gamers-ready-to-kinect/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TRiccardi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Video Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kinect xbox360 games videogames]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Xbox]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thetechscoop.net/?p=6031</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The joystick. For many years since the dawn of gaming in arcades the joystick had been the primary mode of input for most if not all gaming. Even devolving into game pads and such during the NES and Sega Genesis days it was still really a mode of inputting things in a analog source. This [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The joystick. For many years since the dawn of gaming in arcades the joystick had been the primary mode of input for most if not all gaming. Even devolving into game pads and such during the NES and Sega Genesis days it was still really a mode of inputting things in a analog source.</p>
<p>This year that&#8217;s all going to change.</p>
<p>At this years E3, Microsoft showed off it&#8217;s newest add-on to the Xbox 360.</p>
<p>And it will revolutionize gaming as we know it.</p>
<p>Kinect (Previously known as Project Natal) will be shipping this November 4th  and will have 15 titles at launch that will take advantage of this new hardware.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">What is Kinect? Simply put it is a camera that attaches to your Xbox 360 which captures your body movements. This is not like the Wii which is out there now where you&#8217;re holding a wii-mote. Instead you hold out your hands and the camera reads your body movements and translates them into the game!</p>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-6072 aligncenter" title="kinetic" src="http://www.thetechscoop.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/kinetic.jpg" alt="" width="420" height="263" /></p>
<p>One of the titles coming out for the Kinect is Forza Kinect and think about this for a minute.</p>
<p>Your sitting behind the wheel of a lamborghini murcielago waiting for the light to go green as to start the race. Your hands are in mid air at 10 and 2 as if gripping an imaginary wheel as the green light flashes you accelerate using another hand to shift. Even better? You can crane your head left or right and the game will pick that up so you can look into the corners! Talk about a complete driving experience!</p>
<p>The titles that are available at launch are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Kinectimals: Did you want to have a pet lion or tiger when you were a kid but couldn&#8217;t afford it? Look no further than Kinectimals! With a few breeds to choose from you can have your very own pet that will come when you call it, play with it, do tricks and run through an obstacle course together!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kinect Adventures: Want to go on a river rafting trip? Or how about on a wild mine cart ride? This and more is available thru Kinect Adventures as you dodge, jump and pose your way to victory! Try to get the best score and you can get a gold medallion! The game even takes pictures of you while you play and plays it back at the end of the event!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kinect Joy Ride: A cartoonish racing game in the same spirit as another certain kart game. Drive, Drift and Boost your way to be the first across the finish line! When you jump in the game you can also do wild tricks in the air!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kinect Sports:  Love sports? Then this is the game for you! With Kinect Sports you&#8217;ll be able to try your hand at one of the six games: Boxing, Soccer, Track and Field, Volleyball, Bowling and Table Tennis. You&#8217;ll use your entire body to get into the game as you kick, punch and jump your way to victory.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Zumba Fitness: Love to get into shape? Then this is game for you! With various work out routines you&#8217;ll be dancing and working through various routines while getting into shape! This game will have over 30 different tracks for you to workout to so you can listen to great music and shed those pounds with ease.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Your Shape Fitness Evolved for the Kinect: Want to get into shape? Want to have fun doing it? Look no further than this title for the Kinect! One of the best things about this title is that the workouts are tailored to not only your goals but your exercise level. This will be a perfect way for gamers to get into shape in the next few months!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dance Central: Are you great at Guitar Hero? Awesome at Rock Band? That&#8217;s all well and good but can you get up and dance? Dance Central will test your abilities as a dancer as you boogie your way to the top as you will rock out with a mixture of hip-hop, rock and roll and other types of music. Gwen Stefani&#8217;s “Keep on Dancin&#8217;” was in the teaser trailer and it is being developed by Harmonix so you know it&#8217;ll be good!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sonic Free Riders: This new Kinect game will be a blazingly fast Sonic game called Sonic Free Riders. In this game you control one of the many Sonic characters as you ride a hoverboard as you race to be the first across the finish line. You lean left or right to steer the board which makes you feel more in the game than ever!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>EA Sports Active 2: Another work out program that gives you a heart rate monitor that you wear on your arm. This program will give you feedback as you can do things like mountain biking, push ups or boxing. And this program will also track your progress and keep an eye on your heart rate so you can track your fitness inside and out.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Deca Sports Freedom: This is another sports related title as you can try your hand at various events all without the need for any controllers. Try your hand at Boxing, Archery, Figure Skating and Snowboard Cross as you can unlock new clothes for your avatar to wear.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dance Masters: Ever hear of a small game called Dance Dance Revolution? Sure you have and for me I can&#8217;t play it because I am extremely uncoordinated. Leave it to the folks at Konami to come out with Dance Masters as you try to match poses with the on screen characters. There are going to be 30 tracks included with this game and should be a hit with anyone that loves DDR.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Adrenalin Misfits:  Love to snowboard? This is the game for you! With various types of events such as flag slalom , racing or jumping for distance. Imagine the ability to snowboard whenever you want without worrying about what time of the year it is. If boarding is your passion than this is the game for you!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout:  Yet another work out type game being released but this one has a few options that the others dont. For example in this game you are given an option to keep a video diary of your progress. There is also online work out buddies to help you get through your grueling workout.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Motion Sports:  Not much about this game is known at this time but all we can think about is that it is going to be another work out title made by those great people at UbiSoft.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Game Party in Motion: Another casual game title from kinect that will incorporate 16 games that you can just pick up and play alone or with your friends. These games range from sports games such as Hoops and Darts to classic arcade type games like Air Hockey and even Tapper! I would love to play Tapper using my whole body as the controller (I loved playing that game when I was a kid!)</li>
</ul>
<p>No one knows how much the games or the Kinect are going to price for but in my opinion this new technology doesn&#8217;t come cheap and expect it to be around $150+ with the games ranging from $29-$59 bucks each. Also there are no bundles announced at this time and the project that Peter Molyneux has not be announced when or even if that will be released.</p>
<p>All I can say is the future of gaming is looking great and with more titles on the way like Forza and even a Star Wars title I am looking forward to getting one of this when they come out in November. For more information on the Kinect go to http://www.xbox.com/en-US/kinect/ and get ready for the next generation in gaming.</p>
<div class="wp-about-author-containter-top" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><div class="wp-about-author-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/e8c4aae951aa08225db9b3ef2beff553?d=retro&amp;s=100" alt="Avatar of TRiccardi" class="avatar user-33-avatar" width='100' height='100' title='TRiccardi' /></div><div class="wp-about-author-text"><h3><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/triccardi/' title='TRiccardi'>TRiccardi</a></h3><p>Thomas Riccardi has been using tech since the '80's with his first computer a TRS-80 with a whopping 16k. Now he lives in California and has worked for such great companies as Westwood Studios as a beta tester and for Apple as well! He owns every current game system as well as a gaming PC, a laptop and a netbook.</p><p><a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net' title='TRiccardi'>Website</a> - <a href='http://www.thetechscoop.net/author/triccardi/' title='More posts by TRiccardi'>More Posts</a> </p></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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