The moment has finally arrived.

Blind Assistant core CFW0002 is online on Visilab website:

http://visilab.unime.it/~filippo/Bli...dAssistant.htm

Blind Assistant is an attempt to help blind men, using
softwares that run not on expensive and complex
hardware, but on a simple Sony PSP.

The new core uses Nanodesktop 0.3.4 (the next version
of ND that will be released very soon).

The changes are very important.

a) Blind Assistant has a new algorithm for face recognition.
It has been hardly optimized for using Sony VFPU coprocessor.
The speed is very high and recognition rate has been
improved.

b) Voice Synthetizer also uses VFPU . This allows to the
software a generation of vocal samples in real time.

c) Now, Blind Assistant is able also to recognize in which
room the blind is. This task is done through a client/server
architecture, that uses a new component called
BlindServer.

BlindServer is a complex program, designed to runs on a X86 PC.

It is distribuited in 3 versions: one for
normal MMX CPU, one for SSE CPU and one for SSE2/SSE3 CPU.

When Blind Assistant needs the execution of a complex
algorithm, that should require a great cpu power, it sends
an information packet via wi-fi to the Blind Server.

If BlindServer runs on a INTEL or AMD CPU in that moment,
it can execute also heavy computations as SIFT, without
large delays.

Blind Server executes the operation, making use of a fast
Intel or AMD CPU and, when the test has been completed, it
returns via wi-fi the results to the Blind Assistant client,
that runs on the PSP.

In this way, the mobile client (i.e. the PSP), can execute
operations that would be impossible for a simple MIPS CPU.

The communication between the client and the server, is
realized using BAWCP (Blind Assistant wireless communication
protocol): a wi-fi protocol that manages the exchange of
commands between the client side and the server side, and
that manages also the process of compression and decompression
of the images.

Through the BlindServer, the homebrew on the PSP can execute
the SIFT algorithm. SIFT stands for Scalar Invariant Feature
Transform: it allows the recognition of a particular place
or room of a home. This can help the blind, because he can
know in which room he is actually.


d) Blind Assistant CFW0002 supports also a complex system
for optical char recognition. The system is able to read
a text or a label, through the Sony Go-Cam.

This can be done using a combination of a OCR method and of
the ndFLite Voice Synthetizer (now very faster, thanks to the
new routines VFPU-optimized).

The defined OCR methods are two: the former uses the known
Tesseract OCR. Tesseract is a technology developed by HP in 1995,
and in a second time released as open-source. It is
actually supported by the Google Foundation.

The second OCR method uses Nanodesktop OCRAD, and it is designed
to run in a fully mobile situation (i.e. when the client hasn't
a connection with a BlindServer available).

The system includes also an algorithm that, using a set of
dictionaries, is able to correct the errata words that
have been detected by the OCR.

In ideal condition, Blind Assistant OCR reaches a recognition
rate of 90%.


In the package you can find a PDF called Install Blind Assistant.
It contains all the needed informations about the program.

The program is able to autoupdate via internet when new updates
are released.

The users that have installed the previous core CFW0001, can
update the core manually: go to Update menu in the main
interface, and choose the item "Check, DwLoad and Install
new updates". The core CFW0001 will be updated itself
automatically.

The service of autoupdate will become operative within some hours
from this moment.


Thanks for the attention
Filippo Battaglia ...

CoderX has released an update to the Red Alert Clone, code named (RedaLua 1.0rev1 Beta2) Originally based on the work of Altair this new release adds may new features and several improvements to the over all game experience. The main Idea is it no longer crashes like the original used to do ^_^...!!! and after 2 years without an update this should be a welcomed release. Once again lets all thank Altair for creating this game in the first place. Sincerely CoderX

Changes:

• Several Bug Fix
• Slim / Phat Compatible
• Sound Fix
• Memory Fixed
• Menu Update

Next Release:

• Full AI
• Start of Multiplayer

Here’s a screenshot:




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www.NovelBugz.com - The Number one free source for buying and selling books online commission free. ...

Description

This is a port of the newly released Kaiten Patissier 1.00, originally released for Windows/Linux/GP2X.

Indiegames.com describes it best:
"Kaiten Patissier is the latest game from D.K., several months in the making, and which I [oranda] highly recommend. It uses the same 'collect-them-all' mechanic as Good Luck Natsuki, but is built entirely around the concept of rotating the levels to re-adjust the locations of platforms, boxes, walls, floors, and ceilings (Kaiten is Japanese for "rotate"). After collecting all but the last item in each level, a bonus item will appear somewhere in the level, so be sure to keep an eye out for the bonus items if you want to get 100% completion.

As I [oranda] note, I [oranda] contributed several of the levels in the game, so you'd better download it and check it out!"

Screenshots


Screen 1: Main Menu


Screen 2: Stage Selection and Overview


Screen 3: In-Game, jump around and collect the items


Screen 4: In-Game, rotate the whole level about 90 degrees

Download
via mk2k.net
get the original Windows/Linux/GP2X release via indiegames.com or at D.K.'s website

Notes

Read the readme.txt for installation notes and button configuration.
I just did the porting to the PSP, any credits for the game and artwork should go to D.K. aka Alpha Secret Base, nice work dude! ...

Atlus USA updated their front page with a picture of cards and the words “We'll show you our hand”. The official announcement is coming out on June 9th, but RayFoxSith sent over a tip (thanks!!) with evidence that the game is the PSP version of Yggdra Union: We'll Never Fight Alone. Take a close look at how the cards look in the banner image above and compare them with the cards shown on Sting’s official Yggdra Union page.

They look identical and an announcement wouldn't be out of the ordinary. Atlus has a tight relationship with Sting and completed a translation of Yggdra Union for the Game Boy Advance. We’ll have to wait a week until we find out if the clue was correctly cracked. Until then take a look at this animated movie from the updated PSP edition.

http://www.siliconera.com/2008/06/03...in-atlus-hand/ ...

News/release from red squirrel


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Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2, available exclusively for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Developed by Clap Hanz, in conjunction with Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 delivers another exceptional golf experience onto PSP, comprised of the franchise's signature over-the-top graphics and intuitive gameplay. In addition to bringing the charm and wit of the multi-million unit-selling Hot Shots Golf franchise, the game doubles the amount of wacky characters, detailed courses, and items available since the original Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee on PSP.

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 also offers a wide range of multiplayer modes including 16-player online tournaments and Ad Hoc capability for one-on-one or Stroke Mode challenges.

"The Hot Shots Golf franchise is a winning tradition with the PlayStation brand and we are continuing to implement innovative and intuitive features to deliver the most fun-filled golf experience on the market," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "With gorgeous graphics, extensive online functionality, and variety of fun gameplay modes and courses, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 brilliantly showcases the capabilities of PSP and offers a game that is a must-have for any gamer or golfer."

For the first time in Hot Shots Golf franchise history, online play has been expanded to facilitate competition between regions worldwide, allowing gamers to challenge other Hot Shots golfers across the globe via Wi-Fi multiplayer. In Wi-Fi, players can go head-to-head in Match Play, create custom rooms, and generate tournaments of up to 16 players. For those seeking a specific game set up, players can also search for friends and tournaments based on select criteria. Additionally, Ad Hoc is available to allow gamers to pick a course, select the number of holes, and tee-off locally with up to seven others. In single player, golfers can engage in Stroke Play mode, offering traditional golf on any available course, as well as Challenge Mode, which gives players the opportunity to compete in a regular season of tournaments and the ability to unlock various characters and items throughout the game. The Multiplayer modes also fully support the Loyalty system and hidden items, allowing players more access to strengthen their favorite characters. To improve individual skills, players can access a Training mode to perfect every drive, pitch, and putt, enhancing their character's shot-making prowess and overall accuracy with the Hole-in-One mini-game.

Players will have the opportunity to golf on 12 breathtaking courses across a variety of worldly environments such as tropical islands, vast desert plains, snow-capped mountains, and oceanfront spaces. Character customization includes over 350 options to personalize characters with a variety of items including clothing, hairstyles, clubs, accessories, and more. With up to 20 different playable characters, golfers can utilize special combinations of clothing and accessories to provide a unique boost to character attributes as well as overall fashion and style. Successfully conquering challenges within the game will allow players to further upgrade equipment, allowing for more accurate shots, longer drives, and impeccable putting control. ...

On the heels of the successful launch of God of War: Chains of Olympus in March, Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced the availability of the limited-edition God of War PSP (PlayStation Portable) Entertainment Pack ($199.99 MSRP). This highly anticipated bundle celebrates God of War: Chains of Olympus, the first appearance of the best-selling God of War franchise on the PSP system, and now the highest ranked PSP game of all time.

The God of War PSP Entertainment Pack includes the following:

- "Deep Red" PSP system with an image of Kratos silkscreened on the back of the unit; this is the only time that this special PSP color will be offered in North America and is sure to become a collector's item.

- God of War: Chains of Olympus - Developed from the outset as an original story, God of War: Chains of Olympus takes place before the events of the original God of War, delivering yet another adventure in the dark and brutal world of Greek Mythology that fans of the franchise have come to know and love. God of War: Chains of Olympus has been hailed by critics as the PSP system's best game to date, earning stellar review scores from Game Informer (9/10), IGN (9.4/10 and Editors Choice), 1UP (9.5/10), among many others.

- Superbad UMD video - This 2007 box-office comedy hit from Columbia Pictures is a gut-busting coming-of-age comedy for a new generation.

- Syphon Filter: Combat Ops voucher - Download the PlayStation Network exclusive title, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the included voucher*. This latest edition of the critically acclaimed stealth action franchise was named the 2007 PSP Multiplayer Game of the Year by IGN.com. The title is currently available for $9.99 on PlayStation Store (http://store.playstation.com).

With a worldwide install base of nearly 38 million as of March 2008, PSP system continues to experience strong momentum among gamers and portable entertainment enthusiasts. This newest bundle will drive further consumer interest in the PSP, showcasing some of the system's multi-functional features.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated the God of War PSP Entertainment Pack an "M" for "Mature 17+." The ESRB has rated Syphon Filter: Combat Ops a "T" for "Teen." For more information visit: www.esrb.org.

*Voucher expires December 31, 2008. Requires PSN Registration. User responsible for all applicable Internet fees. Some services or features may require additional fees. ...

Within the 85 plus new features and enhancements in Madden NFL 09, EA Sports BackTrack and the Virtual Training Center allow the gamer to have a unique gameplay experience each time they load up the game. Both Madden NFL veterans and casual gamers new to the franchise can utilize these two features to be competitive in Madden NFL 09 and also improve their overall football knowledge, regardless of their initial skill level.

The Virtual Training Center is a new interactive tutorial mode, set in a holographic environment that aims at teaching gamers fundamental concepts about football strategy and how to use the controls in quick, fun and stylized drills. After players complete these drills, a Madden IQ score is given, and their "My Skills" difficulty settings are automatically set based on their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout their Madden NFL career, the all-new Adaptive Difficulty Engine will continually tailor the difficulty settings as the gamers' Madden IQ score evolves.

EA Sports BackTrack is a new replay learning tool imbedded within the game that dissects plays and shows the player what they should have done in certain circumstances. When a mistake is made, Cris Collinsworth will breakdown where the user went wrong and what they could have done better. For advanced players, EA Sports BackTrack will give more technical information such as the play calls that were made and the success rates of the play.

Madden NFL 09 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed videogame franchises of all time, and the game will feature adaptable gameplay tailored to every type of gamer, online enhancements and a broadcast style presentation delivering an authentic NFL experience. Madden NFL 09 will be available in stores across North America on August 12.

The graphical enhancements of Madden NFL 09 are extremely impressive and bring the emotion of NFL football to life. Madden NFL 09 features amazing detail to stadiums, weather effects, player models and a whole host of other elements.

Madden NFL 09 will be available for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E by the ESRB.

For more information, please visit www.madden09.com. ...

News/release from Raphi2


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