Microsoft is allegedly in discussions with Peter Chernin, the former president of News Corp, to launch an Xbox 360-dedicated TV channel.
Controversially, however, Chernin wants Microsoft to raise the monthly price of a subscription to Xbox Live by between $1 and $2 to fund the venture.
Bloomberg reports that the channel would be jointly owned by Microsoft and Chernin and would be exclusive to subscribers of the gaming network.
Were it to materialise, the move would mark a significant step forward for the growing VOD movement that has seen video rental and sales claim an ever growing chunk of revenues on all three current-gen home consoles.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/38629/Xbox...und-TV-channel ...

Ah, The Daily Mail. Not content with creating what is effectively an anti-Liberal Democrat sub-site ('PANIC STATIONS! WE MUSTN'T LET THEM WIN!'), the UK's second most popular newspaper (sigh) has labelled the creators of EA's FIFA World Cup 2010 "geeks".

The great irony? In making the comment, its chief football writer, Matt Lawson, was trying to pay an off-hand compliment to the title's accuracy.

Even the computer geeks who are developing the latest edition of the official FIFA World Cup 2010 video game do not appear to be giving England much of a chance in South Africa this summer, he wrote in today's paper.

Having factored in the high altitude conditions at certain venues, 'gamers' will discover that both Fabio Capello's side and the Dutch start to run out of puff sooner than their opponents.

Nope, we don't know why he wrote 'gamers' in inverted commas. That usually represents a group who have been dubbed something that The Mail considers short-lived and s******-worthy.

You know the sort of thing... 'Yummy mummies' 'Tweeters', 'reactionary, embarrassingly out-of-touch fools'...

Still, FIFA World Cup 2010 sounds pretty excellent from where we're sitting - with OPM giving it 9/10 in a very praiseworthy review.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...

Microsoft product director Aaron Greenberg has claimed that the death of Live on the original Xbox will allow the firm to add "more features" to 360's service - adding that MS is "definitely aware" of consumer requests for extended Friends' Lists.

Microsoft pulled the plug on Live on the original Xbox last week - but not without some final farewell messages for Halo 2 players.

Greenberg said that the end of the service will allow greater "flexibility" for additions to the 360 online interface in future. That could include a new TV show, according to reports today.

"A lot of our partners talked to us about cutting off Xbox Live support, you kniw, a long time ago, and it was really something that we didn't take lightly," Greenberg told CVG sister mag Xbox World 360.

"We're at that point now where that community has largely transitioned off and onto the Xbox 360, and now, by discontinuing that support, we're able to add more features without necessarily having to support things like that firends list integration where you could see your friends on Xbox1 or Xbox 360. Having that new flexibility will allow us to bring more features to the Xbox Live Community on Xbox 360."

When asked if the new additions to Lie on 360 would include extended friends lists, Greenberg replied:

"We have heard from folks that they want to be able to extend the Friends List. It's something we are looking at. We haven't announced anything but it is definitely something that we're aware of."

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...

The latest augmented reality (AR) app to be released for iPhone has a musical focus.
ARGirl gets users to draw or print a simple AR marker, and then look at it through their iPhone's camera. We'll let its App Store description tell the tale:
* WOW! There is a pretty girl staying on the marker!
* Select songs to play from your iPhone library
* And AR girl will dance!!
The app, which works on all models of iPhone, has been developed by Apetrus, and it costs $1.99 on the App Store.
However, it illustrates one of the big questions around augmented reality, which is this: why?

You play some music, a virtual girl jiggles, and then... Well, it does seem like it has short-lived novelty value.
Then again, they said the same about fart apps...

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/36837...lity-music-app ...

iPhone sales jumped 131 per cent year-on-year to 8.75 million units in the first three months of 2010.
According to Apple's fiscal 2010 second quarter results, while iPod sales dropped 1 per cent to 10.89 million units, sales of the iPod touch - which runs the same OS as the iPhone - were up 63 per cent. The exact number of units wasn't specified.
Overall, Apple's quarterly revenues were $13.5 billion, up 49 per cent year-on-year. Profits jumped 90 per cent to $1.62 billion in the same period.
The company broke out more figures during its analyst conference call, including news that its iTunes store generated $1.1 billion of revenues from sales of music, video and apps during the quarter.
CFO Peter Oppenheimer said in a statement: "Recognized revenue from iPhone handset sales, accessory sales and carrier payments was $5.45 billion during the quarter compared to $2.43 billion in the year-ago quarter."


COO Tim Cook broke out some iPhone unit sales stats too: units grew 474% in Asia Pacific year-on-year, 183% in Japan, and 133% in Europe, as more operators signed up to sell the iPhone.
With iPad having launched after the close of the quarter, there were few new details on how it is selling, however, Oppenheimer did say that Apple is "extremely pleased" with sales so far, while Cook said they have "far exceeded our expectations". He denied that Apple is struggling to produce enough iPads for its roll-out plans though.
"We have done very well versus our planned capacity. There is not a production problem. It is sort of a good kind of issue to have that the demand in the US was much, much stronger than we predicted."
Cook was also bullish about the competition the iPad faces from netbooks. "I can’t think of a single thing the netbook does well. iPad does so many things very, very well."

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/33458...ials-for-Apple ...

New special offer from Play Asia:



Prepare for a totally new combat experience as you fight massive air, sea and undersea battles in WWII's Pacific theatre in direct command of multiple warships, planes and submarines in this epic solo and online tactical action game.

Directly control dozens of highly detailed warships, aircraft and submarines in a 'free-control' environment as you design and execute the best plans of attack.

Command the colossal firepower of a fully armed battleship, engage the enemy in fierce dogfights through flak-infested skies, or utilise the silent attack of your submarine to unleash deadly torpedo attacks on unsuspecting enemies.

Battlestations: Midway follows the story of naval recruit Henry Walker, whose first assignment as a gunner at Pearl Harbor is the starting point of an incredible career at the heart of the US Pacific Fleet in 1942, in what was to become one of the most inspirational military campaigns in history.

Relive the warring times, BattleStations is available at an unbeatable bargain price of US$ 13.90 only. The Asian edition is region free and features an array of languages options: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish. Experience World War II in a language you are familiar with.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...-2e9-84-n.html ...

Newly released:



features
In the hunt, you’re never alone. Hunt together with up to 4 players online, with the availability for 2-player split-screen. In single-player mode, you even have the ability to hunt with AI-controlled characters named ChaCha
Monsters have unique and dynamic personalities, abilities and defenses, increasing in complexity as the player progresses. They camouflage themselves to ambush hunters, but will flee or call for help if outmatched
Monsters interact amongst each other in a living breathing ecosystem, complete with food chain. Monsters have stamina, migrate and even attack one another, the strong feeding on the weak
For the first time ever in any Monster Hunter game, you will be able explore land and sea and hunt monsters of the deep
With seven weapon categories – including the all-new “Switch Axe” – and new armor and weaponry created from the remains of slain monsters, there are almost limitless opportunities for equipment customization
Play with either the Wii Remote and Nunchuk

description
Monster Hunter is set in a massive, sublime land where humans and monsters co-exist. You play the role of an up-and-coming hunter, who must accomplish various quests to achieve glory and help the residents of their village survive.

Hunters will track monsters, set traps, and either capture or slay a variety of majestic monsters. When a monster is slain, the hunter can carve off their horns, scales and bones, which can be used to create a huge variety of weapons and armor. These items can be bought or crafted by giving the village blacksmith materials and a fee.

Using Wii to its fullest, showcasing beautiful graphics and a dynamic ecosystem, Monster Hunter Tri allows for unparalleled co-op gameplay, both on and offline. Hunt with up to four players online or two players offline in arena mode. Also, in Arena mode, you’ll have the ability to save your character’s information to the Wii Remote directly so you’re always ready to play at a friend’s house!

Do you have the courage to hunt the monsters that roam your world? It won’t be easy – the monsters are strong and numerous. Yet by hunting together with friends, or braving it solo with your ChaCha Fighting Companions, there is no monster that cannot be defeated. Sharpen your favorite weapon and invite your friends, hunting season is about to begin...

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3nut.html ...

Newly released:



Here is a set of different monsters - the pokemon. The previous series of shiny pokemon plushes are overwhelmingly popular, so here we bring you a set of new plushes featuring Chikorita, Hinoarashi and Waninoko. You have tamed this trio of pokemon in the games, now you get to own them in real life.

All three of them are in extra large sizes, so snuggle up to them when you watch TV, or you can put them on your bed, they are perfect for holding. Since the shiny, satiny fabric isn't furry, they are easily maintained and collect very little dust even when you leave them on the shelf.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...-2e8-84-n.html ...

Newly released:



Brings some stars home. The Kirby star cushions are perfect for sore backs, necks and for cuddling during TV time. Rest your head on one and snuggle up to the other as you take a nap. They are warm and very fluffy and the corners of the stars will catch your head even when you roll out of the cushion's sweet spot.

Let's keep the star in a cheerful yellow. Made with furry polyester fabric, this cushion might stain easily. Please do not bleach it or throw it into the washing machine. Please take it to the dry cleaners and ask for professional opinion when you have to have it cleaned.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...-2e8-84-n.html ...