Video: Xbox 360 Interface in Action
May 23, 2005, 2:27 PM
With the Xbox 360, Microsoft has shifted its focus to the community aspects of gaming. The new console will center around Xbox Live, enabling users to create profiles, locate fellow gamers and communicate in various different ways. The following two videos highlight the interface Microsoft has developed to accomplish these tasks.
BetaNews Interview: America's Army
May 20, 2005, 9:57 PM
Should the United States Army be in the business of developing combat video games that target youths? Should the Army even be developing video games with tax dollars? BetaNews sat down with representatives from the U.S. Army at E3 in Los Angeles to learn about the mission of America's Army.
Up Close: Sony PlayStation 3
May 20, 2005, 8:46 PM
Although it's six months behind Microsoft's Xbox 360 and demoed no actual PlayStation 3 games at E3, Sony did give us a peek at their next generation console. The sleek design comes in three colors, although a Sony representative stressed to BetaNews that everything was still conceptual -- especially the wireless controller -- and designs may change before the PS3's official debut.
View Images of Sony's PlayStation 3 Up Close
Related: View the Xbox 360 Up Close
ATI Takes 3D Gaming Mobile
May 20, 2005, 8:25 PM
Nokia isn't the only company with its eye on mobile gaming; ATI showcased at E3 its new 2300 3D processor for cell phones. The chip will be utilized in LG's SV360 phone that will launch shortly in Korea. The SV360 has a built-in tilt sensor to control games, 1.3-megapixel camera and will cost the equivalent of $500 USD. ATI has not yet announced any 3D-enabled phones for the United States, but told BetaNews it is in talks with a number of manufacturers.
August Set for US Gizmondo Launch
May 20, 2005, 8:07 PM
Attendees at this year's E3 were treated to a lavishly styled booth featuring a Porsche Carrera dedicated to the new "multi-entertainment" handheld device dubbed Gizmondo from Tiger Telematics. Offering games, music, movies, messaging, a digital camera, and built-in GPS, the Gizmondo will debut in the United States on August 11. Gizmondo will boast an 89 game portfolio by the end of this year, including several EA and Ubisoft titles plus GPS-enabled games exclusive to the device.
The Windows CE powered Gizmondo features a 2.8-inch TFT color display with an NVIDIA graphics accelerator. The device will play MP3s and MPEG4 movies and includes Bluetooth connectivity for multi-player gaming, as well as slots for SD and MMC card accessories.
Close Up: Nokia N70
May 20, 2005, 8:00 PM
At E3, Nokia offered up a peek at its new N70 multimedia phone, which features a 2-megapixel camera alongside music and video playback. The N70 supports MP3, AAC, RealAudio, H.263 and MPEG4 formats. But don't rush down to your local mobile outlet just yet - the N70 won't be available until the third quarter.
Nokia Plans Smartphone Gaming
May 20, 2005, 7:51 PM
Nokia announced this week at E3 that it will bring its gaming platform beyond the N-Gage to its line of Series 60 smartphones. Nokia said the phones will not play current N-Gage games, but told BetaNews it is working with developers to ensure support in future titles. Nokia showscased some prototypes of the platform at E3, but has yet to decide on distribution and pricing plans. The company expects games to be offered on MMC cards and via downloads.
E3's Most Secretive: Rockstar Games
May 20, 2005, 7:41 PM
Most exhibitors at E3 2005 welcomed gamers with open arms to test out their upcoming titles, but not Rockstar Games. With a booth surrounded by chain link fencing and filled only with buses, Rockstar kept their future plans locked down at E3. Only a select few were given access to the company's latest demos, leaving hoardes of attendees waiting hours in line for a peek at a Grand Theft future.
E3 2005: All About the Games
May 20, 2005, 4:37 PM
With the next generation gaming consoles 6 to 12 months away, the focus of the E3 2005 exhibit floor is on the games. Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are showing off their latest titles that will debut in 2005. Microsoft is also demoing a handful of launch titles for the Xbox 360, and giving attendees a sneak peek at some upcoming games, including Dead or Alive 4 and id Softwae's Quake 4.
Nintendo Demos VoIP Using DS
May 20, 2005, 4:32 PM
Moving from text chat to voice, Nintendo is offering up a technology demo of voice over IP communication using the wireless capability found in the Nintendo DS. Although the company has made no official announcement, Nintendo will likely debut the service, called "DSpeak," alongside its nationwide Wi-Fi Connection launch later this year.
