Posts Tagged ‘Apple’

After the embarrassing PSP Go fail is Sony going to redeem itself with the announcement of the PSP 2 at this years E3 Los Angeles in June or at Gamescon in August?  That’s what industry insiders are saying.  This year may be the year.  A new PSP device with graphics on par with the PS3.  Yeah, a 2011 release!  I really love my PSP 1000 and Sony is such a great hardware designer the PSP 2 will surely be a winner.  I think that the PSP should have been a bigger hit, but Sony had so many problems with PS3 pricing and software the PSP just didn’t get the attention it deserved for marketing or software development.  The PSP wasn’t a failure, it just could have been a bigger success than it was.  Ok, the PSP Go?  What the hell was Sony thinking?  I think that was a device they wish they could have released in the PSP 1000′s place seven years ago to keep pirates away.  A little late don’t you think?

If Sony is smart about its next PSP darling the design better live up to gamer expectations.  First of all a touch screen better be included.  One on par with the quality screen of the iPhone and multi touch sensing.  Next, the device better damn well have two thumb sticks!  The first PSP thumb stick worked half-ass along with the D-pad.  This was one of the biggest complaints among gamers.  Another complaint was the PSP operating system.  The PSP 2 must have better operating software, not the “half baked” system the first PSP had.  Let software designers hack the thing so they can install legal third party software on it.  There is no way around this, but if Sony ever becomes friendly towards third party developers the next PSP should become more popular among the general public.  Embracing outside developers should only increase hardware and eventually software sales for the long term.  Lastly, make it affordable.  The Nintendo DS is affordable and I believe the larger screen 3D version the Nintendo 3Ds will be too.  If Sony wants to beat Nintendo they better make it more affordable for the average consumer.  At least a reasonable price for the hardware components associated with it.

If the “leaked” tech specs for the next PSP are to be believed then this piece of hardware will be truly impressive.  First, a 4-core CPU based on the PS3′s multicore cell processor would be powerful and on par with lower end gaming laptops.  The Power VR multicore graphics chip would only compliment the cell processor.  Power VR also makes the GPU for Apple corporations fantastic iPad.  Power VR specializes in mobile devices so they would definitely be a top choice for that component inside the PSP 2.  The rumors about the addition of a camera and microphone interfaced with 3G mobile networks would make the device a good communications tool with other users of the next PSP, the PS3, or even PC’s.  3G connectivity would compliment the standard Wi-fi  the PSP already possesses.  I wouldn’t worry about battery life for the next PSP if all of this high end tech were to be included.  Battery performance has only improved over the last seven years and the lithium ion battery in the iPad is nothing short of phenomenal.

So, is Sony hungry enough to stay in the handheld mobile device market?  I think so.  They are a smart group and proud of their past hardware.  I think they would like nothing more than to become the leader again in the mobile technology sector.  Nintendo has already claimed victory over Sony in the console and handheld realms and has turned its sights on Apple as its newest threat.  Sony probably feels they would like to enter the fray once again.  After all, the PS3 has lots of growth ahead of it.  At least for the next 5 years in the Dude’s opinion.

Another gaming revolution has begun for mobile gaming.  First, primitive handhelds like the Nintendo Gameboy, and the Atari Lynx made their debut back in the day.  The thought of playing a computer game on the beach or on-board an airplane was new.  The systems captured the imagination of portable game enthusiasts worldwide.  Never before have gamers been more excited to play Mario or Doom next to the pool or in the backseat of a car.  Then newer handhelds entered the market with beefier processors and more complex programming like the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.  These days portable game consoles are common place with color touch screens and half baked operating systems that can multitask.  You know, systems that can play Mp3′s or movie files as well as connect to the net with limited capability.  Tomorrows portable game systems are here now with motion controls, high definition touch screens,  Wi Fi, GPS,  and operating systems that are well beyond any ordinary handheld “gaming console”.  So whats next 3D?  Well yes, but not for the iPad.

The Apple iPhone astounded gamers with its functional interface and superb applications.  I notice persons of all ages everywhere with the device listening to music, watching movies, and of course playing fantastic games.  What’s missing?  Nothing really, unless your looking for a bigger screen.  The iPad will fill the gap between the iPhone and the laptop this weekend as Apple fanatics begin camping outside the Apple store to get their hands on the thing.  The iPad can process games so complex they could only run on PCs or dedicated consoles.  The games will work fine on this hybrid as Apple has unwittingly become a portable game device maker.

What better game to launch along with this new hardware “revolution” than Sid Meiers Civilization Revolution for the iPad.  Civilization Revolution will be available for download from the app store and will definitely be worth your time.  Sid Meier’s very popular strategy series Civilization will test your diplomatic skills and looks great on the new iPad screen.  The game was highly praised on consoles and the streamlined iPad version should only be around $12.99 a download.  I also recommend checking out Plants vs. Zombies too.