Electronics company Ricoh has announced that it has mystically created an "optical component that reads and writes all disk formats-Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD, as well as DVD and CD-with one pickup and one objective lens," says a report at EETimes. July 12-14 is the International Optoelectronics Exhibition outside of Tokyo and the device will make its public debut at that time.

How does it work? Diffraction, friends. Diffraction:
"The diffraction plate is placed between lasers and an objective lens. The diffraction grating is designed to adjust a light beam to an optimum incident ray relative to the objective lens so that light focuses on the proper position for each disk format." Neat.

Does this bring a short stop to the console/format wars before they have even begun? Would Sony ever consider delaying the PS3 further to incorporate this type of technology? That is doubtful and doesn't really matter too much, most likely. Initially this technology is just for disk players, but someday it may reach console merit. Until then, the wars will continue, if only on gaming/multimedia consoles. ...

Via Cubed

French heavyweight company Ubisoft has announced it is set to support Nintendo even more by bringing a real-time strategy classic to the Nintendo DS. In collaboration with Ubisoft's Blue Byte team, the former PC-only game Settlers will début on the DS later this year.

The game will be based on the series' 'popular gaming mechanism' of building construction and ensuring their is sufficient infrastructure. Providing better road networks results in a stronger economy, and you continue from there. It is set to make full use of the stylus control via the touch-screen, and make good use of the two screens. Below are some of the key features to watch out for:


Two campaigns: "Roman" and "World"

A Free Gaming Mode, letting all people play against an AI opponent

Thirty different occupational groups and six different soldier types

Four types of people (Roman, Viking, Nubian, and Asian)

Varying environments (woods, lava, icy areas, swamps, and so on) across seven vast continents

Easy-to-use interface and controls thanks to the stylus

Action on the top screen can be switched with the bottom at any time to suit you requirements

Variable zoom is included for watching your Settlers

Ralf Wirsing, Business Development Director of Ubisoft in Germany and Studio Manager of Blue Byte, had this to say:

"[ We are ] happy to be able to offer the successful Settlers series to the handheld fans. Strategic games are also very interesting for Nintendo players. Gladly enough, the gaming principle of The Settlers supports the functions of the Nintendo DS in a unique way.”

Let us hope this succeeds and convinces others to bring the likes of Command & Conquer, Cannon Fodder and StarCraft to the DS... ...

Progenitus posted this news:

This is a very minor update to Sidplay2x that just adds auto-repeat to file-list scrolling and the volume buttons.

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments ...

Flubba posted this news:

I've kind of taken a vacation from the GBA for a few weeks but I've still got SMSAdvance V2.0 coming up , just want to fix sample playing in the sound core if it's possible. If anyone of you out there got any bugs to report, now is the time to do that.

http://hem.passagen.se/flubba/gba.html ...

GBArl.it. has updated the Nintendo DS Emulator for Windows:

In the emulator:
- Corrected bug in the 3D
- Corrected a bug in the menu
- Added the function Open and Execute
- Improved the speed of execution (of 2 fps)
- Reduced the key rom

In the source:
- Corrected of the bug that did not allow to make to execute the emulator

Download and Give feedback via comments ...

So there have been bits and pieces of what purported to be a leaked internal QA on the subject of the PlayStation 3 doing the rounds of late. And what do you know - those involved with the emerging platform say it's all legit. It's been pieced together and here it is. You can make of it what you will:



- PS3 is a computer system
- PS3 is one product with different configuration
- PS3 launch date : Nov 11 (Japan), Nov 17 (US/Europe)
- PS3 price : 20GB : JPY 59,800, USD499, EUR499 (incl. VAT) / 60GB : JPY Open, USD599, EUR599 (incl. VAT)

PS3 Business Strategy

Q1. Why will you launch two models with different specs for PS3 ?
A1. PS3 is a computer system and as such, various configurations can be considered. In future, larger HDD may be required for larger content to be saved on PS3. Considering the fact that, nowadays, network connectivity is spreading within the homes, we have decided to introduce a configuration with basic ports. However, these ports, excluding HDMI, are expandable with adaptors available on the market.

Q2. How can users connect PS3 to TV without HDMI output ?
A2. PS3 supports most displays via the AV multi output. Visual quality through AV multi output is comparable to that through HDMI.

Q3. Do you have two color variations of black and silver for two different models ?
A3. This model comes in one color (clear black) only. There may be color variations in the future.

Q4. What is the initial launch quantity for PS3 ?
A4. 2 million units will be shipped worldwide at the launch timing (for the first 3 weeks), cumulative 4 million units by the end of December and cumulative 6 million by the end of March 2007 (we do not disclose the breakdown by region).

Q5. Will you launch the PS3 in the Asian region at the same timing ?
A5. Yes.

Q6. What is the breakdown of the production shipment figures for each model ?
A6. We will decide the breakdown according to the market situation.

Q7. Are you planning to launch another model which has different HDD or interface in the future ?
A7. Like PCs, other configuration with the different HDD capacity and I/O can be considered in the future.

Q8. Where will you start manufacturing PS3 ?
A8. We will start manufacturing in Japan and China simultaneously (we don't disclose the names of manufacturing companies).

Q9. When will you start manufacturing PS3 ?
A9. We will start assembly from summer. Manufacturing of the main semiconductors has already started.

Q10. MS's Xbox360 was launched a year ago and has a head start. How do you feel about it ?
A10. We have set the best launch timing for PS3.

Q11. How is the PS3 network service going to be ? Will you also start the service from day one ? What are the differences between Xbox Live and PS3 network services ?
A11. Apart from providing basic features and functions, the most important element is content and services. Downloading music in SingStar, purchasing or exchanging game data as we demonstrated at E3 press conference and many other new ways of enjoyment will be provided.

Q12. Will the network service be charged ?
A12. Basic services available free for current PCs will be free of charge but content and specific services will be charged from the beginning.

Q13. Are the specifications and design final ?
A13. Very close to final.

PS3 Price

Q14. Why did you set such a price for 20GB HDD model ?
A14. We have set this price so that many users can enjoy PS3.

Q15. Why is only 60GB model open price for Japan ?
A15. Each RHQ decides the price of PS3.

Q16. You have announced in April that more than 100 billion yen of operating loss will be caused from Game segment in FY06. Will the PS3 price have any impact on the forecast ? Was the introduction of two models factored in at the earnings announcement in April ?
A16. There is no change in forecast.

Q17. Won't having two models increase cost ? Can you expect the economy of scale with two models ?
A17. We don't have two different models. It is one model with different configuration just like with PCs. Therefore, economy of scale can be pursued.

Q18. When do you expect to start making profit with PS3 business ? It has been reported by Nikkei (dated May 1st) that the "PS3 business will make profit of over 100 billion yen in FY07." Is it true ?
A18. At the early stage after the launch, PS3 expects losses due to start-up cost, etc. However, there is no change in our business model to make profit from both hardware and software. As we have accomplished with PS2, we aim to make PS3 business profitable as soon as possible, by expanding the platform and continuing our cost down measures by reducing the number of components used in the hardware and cutting the cost of key components including semiconductors. However, it's too early to comment on the timing of the turnaround. We have never told Nikkei that "PS3 business will make profit of over 100 billion yen in FY07."

Hardware Functions

Q19. Are there any additional or modified features from E3 last year ?
A19. Please refer to the specification sheet for details.

Q20. You had previously announced that there would be two HDMI ports, but why does the PS3 with the 20GB HDD not have a HDMI port ? Can Blu-ray content be enjoyed in high quality graphics without HDMI ?
A20. High quality HD images can be enjoyed equally with the 20GB HDD product via the AV multi port (1080p output is also possible with the TV equipped with the D5 input). Analog output from BD will be supported until 2011 and all software published until they can be enjoyed. Standardization of visual image output via home network (e.g. DLNA) is also currently under way.

Q21. There were 2 HDMI ports in your original announcement, but why does the 60GB PS3 have only 1 HDMI port ?
A21. Because standardization of image output over the network such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is ...

A revelatory piece by investigative journalist Brier Dudley in yesterday’s Seattle Times claims that J Allard’s much-hyped, hugely secretive “iPod-killer” will also play games as part of a full line-up of Xbox-branded products.

According to Dudley, the project is apparently code-named 'Argo' – the name of Greek mythological hero Jason’s ship, as opposed to, say, code-name 'Troj', after the mythological Trojan Horse.

Or, should you choose to believe gadget site Gizmodo, project 'Argo' is now apparently finally named 'Zune'. Either way, true or false, it’s good to see that the names being bandied about are as equally ludicrous as Xbox 360 and Wii. SPOnG expects nothing less.

For the purposes of this news piece, we will refer to it as the 'Zune’ – for no reason other than it's a superbly daft name and therefore, going by recent cultural trends in games industry product naming, highly likely to be a contender.

The rumour mill went into overdrive following earlier reports from Bloomberg of a planned iPod Rival (‘MiPod?’ suggested some wag in the SPOnG office earlier) in the pipeline supposedly launching this Christmas. Rumours of a portable Xbox project have of course been floating around for some time now, many emanating from Dean Takahashi of the San Jose Mercury News, who has recently written a detailed and well-received book on the Xbox project. Read SPOnG's reports on these from earlier in the year right here.

Back to the 'Zune'. Dudley outlines in his Seattle Times piece: “A few details trickled out last week from music companies that Microsoft is lining up to support the device. Microsoft isn't commenting, but I was able to piece together a broader picture with some research, reporting and information from a source close to the project. What's being developed is actually a complete line of Xbox-branded digital-media products, including a device that plays media, a software media player and an online media service.”

He added: “This is more than just another MP3 player. It will also compete with game players from Sony and Nintendo that have long had Wi-Fi and work as media players, Internet terminals and communication devices.”

Dudley also suggests that ‘the Zune’ will utilise Microsoft’s XNA game development toolkit, which enables developers to create titles for multiple platforms.

He also went onto speculate that, “...the timing of the hype cycle is perfect…Microsoft's annual meeting with financial analysts is July 27, and it's looking bleak. Wall Street is furious Microsoft won't be selling new versions of Windows and Office in the fall as promised….Argo [Zune] could help the December quarter and give executives something to discuss with analysts other than product delays, Bill Gates' departure and the high cost of doing battle with Google.”

It's all very interesting yet highly speculative stuff. Microsoft, as is the company's way with these things, has so far declined to offer any 'official' comment.

Expect to see a news update with more facts and fewer ‘rumours’ from insiders or moles in the coming days. In the meantime, to confuse the issue just a little more, check out this pic of 'The Zune' that's currently doing the rounds on the gadget blogs, and let us know what you think in the forum below. ...

News from Play Asia:

Weekly Special: Nintendo's Japan exclusive platform adventure Legend of Stafi 4 for Nintendo DS™ at US$ 29.90 only - offer valid for 1 week

Nintendo's popular Japanese platform series returns on Nintendo DS™ with a brand new adventure. Sticking to the 2D roots of the series, the game is a classical platform title. The action is shown on the top screen, while a map is displayed on the bottom screen.

Just like in the previous Gameboy Advance™ predecessor Legend of Stafi 3, Stafi's younger sister Stapi is available as playable character again. Stafi and his sister are chasing a criminal that has robbed a hidden treasure from the Ami Kingdom. Although this action game is fundamentally operated with the digital pad and action buttons, touch pen elements have been included when gathering information during the search for the criminal.

A total of 100 different items as well as 130 "characters" make Legend of Stafi 4 the biggest platform adventure so far in the series.

More info --> http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...9-en-84-n.html ...

Looks like Toys 'R Us of Australia is in fact giving away an unspecified free game with Wii pre-orders of $249. Gameworld Network reports: "After contacting Toys 'R Us for comment, they have indeed confirmed that everyone will receive a free game with their Wii as part of the package, but they did not know which game this might be... Sounds to us like Nintendo might be planning to include Wii Sports, as many have speculated."

While "Wii" doesn't even show up at Toys 'R Us' US site, the Big N has neither confirmed a launch price nor a bundled game so at the moment, this sounds more like a local Aussie promo. ...