via Gizmodo


Lee's description of "Low-Cost Multi-point Interactive Whiteboards Using the Wiimote" may sound boring, but it's actually a very cool and very innovative use of the Wiimote. Since you can hook the controller up to your computer and accept inputs using the Wiimote library interface, you can use its infrared sensors to detect and track infrared light on any kind of surface. With Johnny's app, you can in turn use a cheap DIY IR pen as an input device and make your own whiteboard/input tablet. You should watch the video to see more, but this thing looks really exciting.


...

via Engadget


We've already seen a microphone rigged for use with the iPod touch, and it now looks like that hack could soon be about to get a whole lot more useful, as the iPod Touch Mods blog is reporting that an enterprising individual known only as "eok" has manged to get VoIP working on the device.

According to the blog, eok used the SIP-based SvSIP application originally developed for the Nintendo DS as the basis for the hack, although there's unfortunately few other details at the moment, let alone the recompiled version of the app itself, or even a screenshot of it in action. Given the history of these things, however, we wouldn't expect it to take too long for those tidbits to trickle out, assuming the hack lives up to its promise, that is. ...

News from zx-81



Hi All,

Here is a new version (i hope the last) of GP2X-CAP32 the CPC emulator for GP2X.

For those who haven't seen previous versions, Caprice32 is one of
the best emulator of the Amstrad CPC home computer series running
on Windows and Unix, written by Ulrich Doewich.
This emulator faithfully imitates the CPC464, CPC664, and CPC6128 models
(see caprice32 project)

What's new in version 1.3.1 :

- Display in green (monochrome)
- Check CPM disk automatically
(and run |CPM instead of RUN")
- Bug fix in the disk explorer menu
(when the number of files on disk was too high)

How to use it ? Everything is in the README file.

This package is under GPL Copyright, read COPYING file for more information about it.

Source code and binary version are available on my blog :
http://zx81.zx81.free.fr/

Enjoy,

Zx. ...

I have been working with the opentyrian souce code in order to run it on a wii/gamecube console with homebrew enabled. This version works under gc-linux, and runs pretty well. Here is the README file, you can download the game and the new versions from the official forum here:

http://www.nacionarcade.net/foro/ind...icseen#msg1657

OpenTyrianGC v0.9
__________________

This is a GameCube adaptation of TYRIAN, the game edited by Eclipse and published by Epic MegaGames.The original game was programmed by Jason Emery, illustrated by Daniel Cook, and its music composed by Alexander Brandon and Andreas Molnar.

This port is based on OpenTyrian project code (http://code.google.com/p/opentyrian/), maintained by mindless2112, syntaxglitch,emacs.hacker, yuriks.br.

This README file was based on the README found on the OpentyriamPSP project.

GAMEPLAY
________
Tyrian is an arcade-style vertical scrolling shooter. The player controls a space ship fitted with different weapons and enhanced energy shields. Money is earned by destroying enemies and grabbing bonuses, which is then used to purchase upgrades such as weapons, shields, energy generators, and different ships from interlevel menus. The game is fast paced and presents a variety of enemies and bosses.


CONTROLS
--------
[ANALOG/DIGITAL PAD] MENU NAVIGATION & SHIP'S IN GAME MOVEMENTS
[A] Button 1/ Start
[B] Button 2/ ESCAPE (Cancel)
[Y] Button 3
[X] Button 4
[Z] ESCAPE (CANCEL)
[START] ENTER (Start)

INSTALLATION
____________

To play with this game, you need a Gamecube/Wii homebrew enabled console (with modchip or ActionReplay). And you will need an SDCard Gekko adapter, or a homemade SDCard Adapter. Of course, you will need an SDCard .

To install this version of openTyriam:
- Copy th files "aramfs.bz2" and "tyriam.dol" to the root directory of your sdcard.
- Copy the directory tyrian and its contents to the root directory of your sdcard.

To play with this game:
- Insert the SDCard on your console wii/GC.
- On your wii/Gamecube, execute the file "tyrian.dol" using your favourite method for loading
aplications (Costis SDLoad, ActionReplay, PSOload, GCOS...).


KNOWN ISSUES
------------
- Network play is not yet implemented. On Wii will never be supported
- 2 player mode buttons are not mapped (might work, i diddnt tried it)
- The default SaveGame works, but the "Select new savegame" option doesn´t work,
as you cant type the name of the new gamesave.
- The Analog joystick does not work properly, use the Digital joy instead.

TODO
____

- Solve the gamesave option, in order tbe able to select a new savegame.


Thanks to:

mindless2112, syntaxglitch,emacs.hacker, yuriks.br and all the people behind the Opentyrian project port
DENISKA for his README file.
The people from gc-linux project

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments ...

via IGN


Following the British Board of Film Classification's rejection of Rockstar's controversial horror sequel Manhunt 2, the Video Appeals Committee has ruled in favour of the publisher's right to release the game in the UK, with a majority vote of four to three.

Previously, the BBFC had rejected both uncut and reworked submissions of the game for certification, effectively banning the game from sale in this country. Speaking to IGN, a Rockstar spokesperson was unable to confirm which version we can expect to see in stores if and when the title finally receives its long-awaited UK release. However, despite Rockstar's successful appeal, it's still possible the BBFC may decide to appeal the VAC's verdict, although the organization intends to review the full report before taking any further action.

Following news of the victory, Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick commented, "We are committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system. We are pleased that the decision of the VAC has recognised that Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment".

Meanwhile, David Cooke, director of the BBFC noted, "The BBFC twice rejected Manhunt 2 for its focus on varied and cumulative killings. We recognise that rejection is a very serious step, in which the desire of publishers to market their games, and that of gamers to buy them, must be balanced against the public interest, including the full range of possible harm risks to vulnerable individuals and to any children who may be wrongly exposed to such games. Such balancing judgements are inevitably complex and multi-faceted, and are made only after very careful consideration of the contents of a work. We played Manhunt 2 for well over 30 hours prior to our decision.


Cooke also revealed, "The BBFC will carefully study the judgement by the Video Appeals Committee when it becomes available." ...

via Eurogamer


Rising Star Games has confirmed reports that the European version of No More Heroes will be based on the censored Japanese version.


No More Heroes is the latest game from Killer 7 director Goichi Suda, and is typically violent, starring an otaku who becomes an assassin and has to climb a sort of assassin leaderboard.

In the US, that violence is preserved by publisher Ubisoft, but in Japan and Europe that's not going to be the case. Unless we all shout at Rising Star about it, presumably.

Still, if you do want some gore, you could always watch the Machine Girl trailer. TEMPURA!

Check out our No More Heroes gamepage for trailers. The full game is due out on 29th February 2008. ...

via Computer and Video Games


Bungie is revamping Halo 3 playlists to coincide with the release of the Heroic Map Pack download content tomorrow.

In its latest update the developer explains, "This playlist is going to include a playlist specifically for the new Heroic DLC maps (so that early adopters can get their fix in), as well as incorporating those maps into the general playlists".

In continues, "In addition, we're reasonably sure that variety updates to almost all of the playlists will be included. This includes some long requested BR Start variants, wider map selection in the Ranked playlists, and a couple of map variants that we're going to try in BTB to start with.


What that "more in mind" equates to is a second update due December 18 that'll include the Team Hardcore playlist. Further details on this are to be released in due course but Bungie has said it's "trying to stay true to Halo 2's THC playlist, which means nothing crazy, but a solid variety."

"In addition," the dev adds, "the current plan includes an overhaul for Team Objective. This playlist will henceforth be focused on CTF (both One Flag and Multi Flag variants, as has been frequently requested) and Assault (One Bomb, Multi Bomb, and Neutral Bomb) variants. VIP is out, until we have some time to bang on it and get something we're happy with."

It goes on the explain that it's introducing Team Control playlist - "which is based on zone control gametypes like Territories, Land Grab, and a little bit of Team King" - and that early in the New Year a Ranked BTB (Big Team Battle) playlist will be introduced. ...

via Computer and Video Games


The creators of the cute and quirky rhythm action game PaRappa the Rapper have joined forces with Majesco to create a Wii game.

Details are extremely thin on the ground, but we do know that - probably unsurprisingly - the title from Masaya Matsuura and Rodney Alan Greenblat will be a music-based videogame.

Built from the ground up for Nintendo's console, it's due out in late 2008.

Masaya Matsuura has spoken of creating a game "that is conceptually unique and, above all else, fun".

"We... believe our game shares the same broad mass market appeal as successful music-based products like Activision's Guitar Hero and MTV's Rock Band", Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton has added. ...

via Computer and Video Games


Sony's PS3 might be struggling to out-punch rivals Wii and Xbox 360 on shop shelves currently, but the next four years will see it biting Wii's heels.

A Screen Digest analysis of console trends has the ridiculously popular Wii out top by 2011 with around 75 million units worldwide, but it puts PS3 in a very, very close second place.

Xbox 360 by the same year, meanwhile, will have a 40 million worldwide unit penetration, leaving it looking longingly at rivals.

Wii is proving so popular this Christmas that Nintendo has reportedly been moved to pull adverts for the console and will replace them with ones for DS instead.

We'll see you back here in 2010 then to see who's right. ...