DCEmu Featured News Articles

Based on the rumors circulating on this here internet, Sony supposedly intends to release two handheld devices in 2011: the PlayStation Phone and the PSP2. Although both are multi-function gaming devices, the two seem to be taking very different approaches, which have many confused about the direction Sony intends on going. Even PlayStation's Kazuo Hirai admits this is a challenge, telling the New York Times that ''we don't want gamers to be asking, what's the difference between that and a PSP ... We have to come up with a message that users will understand." Of course, "that" being the rumored PlayStation Phone (Xperia Play?). While Hirai didn't offer an official confirmation of its existence, he did add that "it would have to be a product that keeps the PlayStation's strengths intact."

The chat also touched upon the successor to the PSP, and Hirai's candid comments seem to give light to what Sony has planned for its next-generation device. Most importantly, and unsurprisingly, it seems a touch mechanic will be implemented with Hirai admitting that "there are [games] where you can play perfectly well with a touch panel. But you can definitely play immersive games better with physical buttons and pads. I think there could be games where you're able to use both in combination.''

Earlier rumors suggested that PSP2 would feature some kind of touch-based "trackpad," and Hirai's comments seem to further cement that possibility. Could the next system really offer "early PS3 graphics"? And if so, what will the slogan be? "It Only Does Everything on the Go ... Except Make Calls, Which is What the PlayStation Phone Does Instead"?

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/so...a-playstation/ ...

We couldn't have been more excited at the though of Kinect recognizing even more of our moving parts, but it appears that rumors of a Kinect update said to improve the camera's resolution and observatory fidelity were incorrect. "We're constantly working to expand and improve on experiences for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE" an Xbox rep told CVG. "However, this rumour is completely unsubstantiated."

So, while Microsoft will (of course) continue supporting the peripheral in many ways, an update that would specifically improve the accuracy of Kinect's sensor doesn't appear to be in the cards. We'll have to keep looking to unofficial hacks for new Kinect functionality -- at least for now.

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/mi...vement-rumors/ ...

Power Play attempted to join the crowded Wiimote accessory market, and had designs on expanding to other consoles, with the intention of creating products of a higher quality than the usual cheap items -- "even if it meant a higher price point," according to Power Play CEO Paul Holcomb.

The company's first release, the "Riiflex" dumbbells for Wii Remotes, came out in 2009. The Riiflex is an only child: Power Play shut down before any more products could be put out. According to Holcomb, "In the end, this proved to be the company's downfall because retailers and distributors gravitate towards cheap plastic novelties rather than high end products," due to the high margins of those cheap items.

In addition, existing relationships between some peripheral companies, distributors, and retail buyers make it surprisingly hard to break into what seems like a wide-open market. Holcomb said that some companies are "joined at the hip" with distributors, and "entrenched in almost every major retail chain."

Holcomb sent Joystiq designs for what were to be Power Play's future products, including adjustable Riiflex dumbbells designed by Holcomb himself, the "Riiflex Kick," designed by Creature and Enguinuity Works, a step attachment for the Wii Balance Board that also included storage and acted as a carrying case, and some interesting iPhone controllers, including a gamepad designed by Greg Aper with Enguinuity Works and a gun shell designed by Holcomb (which was intended either to interface with an iPad or iPod -- or include its own secondary screen!) Check our gallery to see the premium accessories that won't ever find their way onto or around your consoles or controllers.

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/pe...that-will-nev/ ...

Just shy of a month after it launched on the PlayStation 3, VUDU has begun delivering its newly revamped interface on the game console. It should be there once the app is opened, but just in case you're not near a Sixaxis or the (now supported) Move controller check out our gallery for an idea of what the new layout look like. Oh, and if you're getting your 1080p HDX streaming via a different box or smart TV widget then keep an eye out, the company's support page say the PS3 and LG devices will be the only ones sporting the new look through January, with all the rest getting it later on.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/v...playstation-3/ ...

Nothing says truthiness quite like anonymous Chinese sources telling next generation iPad secrets to a Japanese blog lacking any notable successes on the professional rumor mongering circuit. Nevertheless, the Apple rumor sites have jumped all over the story like a Bay Area cop on prototype thief. So here's the dirt, which certainly seems plausible in its specificity: a 3-mm reduction in bezel width, same 9.7-inch display size, and flattening of the back allowing it to rest wobble-free on a desktop. Mac Otakara also explains that there's a "wide-range speaker" covered with "metal mesh" (that's their render above) occupying the cut-out we saw at the bottom of those supposed next-generation iPad cases. The overall unit is said to measure 239 x 186 mm compared to the current iPad's 242.8 x 189.7 mm footprint. Suspiciously, the site was unable to reliably confirm the existence of front of rear facing cameras but does claim that the new iPads will begin shipping from factories in January -- timing that aligns nicely with previous rumors. After the break you'll find another purported iPad 2 case with yet another render of the speaker grill design.


http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/i...e-range-speak/ ...

Nothing says truthiness quite like anonymous Chinese sources telling next generation iPad secrets to a Japanese blog lacking any notable successes on the professional rumor mongering circuit. Nevertheless, the Apple rumor sites have jumped all over the story like a Bay Area cop on prototype thief. So here's the dirt, which certainly seems plausible in its specificity: a 3-mm reduction in bezel width, same 9.7-inch display size, and flattening of the back allowing it to rest wobble-free on a desktop. Mac Otakara also explains that there's a "wide-range speaker" covered with "metal mesh" (that's their render above) occupying the cut-out we saw at the bottom of those supposed next-generation iPad cases. The overall unit is said to measure 239 x 186 mm compared to the current iPad's 242.8 x 189.7 mm footprint. Suspiciously, the site was unable to reliably confirm the existence of front of rear facing cameras but does claim that the new iPads will begin shipping from factories in January -- timing that aligns nicely with previous rumors. After the break you'll find another purported iPad 2 case with yet another render of the speaker grill design.


http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/i...e-range-speak/ ...

Touch controls have been confirmed for the successor to the PlayStation Portable, with Sony Computer Entertainment boss Kaz Hirai discussing the device in a new interview.

Speaking to The New York Times Hirai commented that, "Depending on the game, there are ones where you can play perfectly well with a touch panel."

"But you can definitely play immersive games better with physical buttons and pads. I think there could be games where you're able to use both in combination," he added - in what may be a reference to Sony's ongoing argument that PlayStation Move's physical buttons allow for greater variety in gameplay than rival Kinect.

Rumours of a PSP successor have been ongoing for several months, with most pointing towards a track pad on the back of the device - although some rumours mention a touchscreen display on the front as well. A recent patent application made by Sony also describes a rear-mounted touch-sensitive panel.

Most descriptions of the prototype devices, which are believed to already be in the hands of developers, also describe two analogue sliders instead of just one.

Elsewhere in the interview Hirai was dismissive of competition from other mobile formats, saying: "The games being played on Android and Apple platforms are fundamentally different from the world of immersive games that Sony Computer Entertainment, and PlayStation, aims for."

Hirai also acknowledged rumours of a PlayStation-branded smartphone, believed to be based on current PSP technology. Despite leaked images being in wide circulation, Hirai was concerned at the dangers of confusing customers over which device to buy.

"We don't want gamers to be asking, what's the difference between that and a PSP," he said. "We have to come up with a message that users will understand. It would have to be a product that keeps the PlayStation's strengths intact."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...touch-controls ...

Thrustmaster has unveiled the £400 official steering wheel for PlayStation 3-exclusive simulation racer Gran Turismo 5.

The T500 RS wheel and pedal set is said to be optimised for GT5. The wheel weighs 4.6kg; the pedal set 7.3kg. The gearshift levers, the wheel's central spokes section (30cm in diameter) and the pedal set are all entirely metal.

The wheel itself offers 1080° rotation. A motorized stop means the three full turns are adjustable. The magnetic sensor-based H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology) is incorporated into the wheel's steering mechanism. The wheel has 16-bit resolution and 65536 values on its steering axis.

The spacing and height of the pedal set is also fully adjustable, and allows for two driving positions: floor-mounted F1 style, or suspended GT style.

There's even a textured foot rest, also metal. The Force Feedback mechanism is "vigorous, fast-acting and extremely responsive". An independent gear stick will be available to buy in the coming months.

"The goal that I set for the Thrustmaster team was to design for me the most precise wheel ever developed, without any latency – to accurately reproduce the sensations of GT5, and let users truly feel the emotions experienced by drivers on real racing circuits," said Polyphony Digital boss Kazunori Yamauchi.

The T500 RS launches in Europe and North America on 5th January, and in Japan on 25th January. It carries a suggested retail price of €499.99 (VAT included), which works out at around £425.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...steering-wheel ...

Football management games have always been about the great players of the present - the Ronaldos, Rooneys and Messis of this world.

Now, that's all changed. Championship Manager developer Beautiful Game Studios has created a football management game set in the seventies, introducing great players of the past - the Brookings, Keegans and Bradys of this world.

iPhone, iPod touch and iPad game Championship Manager Legends: 1970's is available to download now from the Apple app store. It costs £1.79, and screenshots are below.

"Filled with nostalgia and history, you take on managing a team back when football was all about Spangles and sheepskin jackets," reads the official blurb. "A sporting decade that produced some memorable names, which for the first time in Champ Man history you can control and bring to life.

"The 1970's was an era of fantastic footballers including Johan Cruyff, Kenny Dalglish and Luis Arconada. Now for the first time in Championship Manager you can manage these legendary players and their classic teams," said BGS boss Roy Meredith.

"We've also packed the game with authentic news stories from the decade so you feel fully immersed as you play through from 1970/71 – 1979/80."

The launch of Championship Manager Legends is yet another result of Beautiful Game Studios' commitment to iPhone and online development.

In October it launched its first specialised iPhone and iPod touch Championship Manager game, ChampMan 11.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...gends-revealed ...