Tue - June 20, 2006

Mark/Space introduces The Missing Sync for PSP

Mark/Space, maker of software that allows products like Windows Mobile-based, Sony Clie, and HipTop PDAs to sync with OS X, has released The Missing Sync of the PSP. It provides conversion and syncing of video files, syncing of iTunes music, iPhoto photos, iCal calendars, Address Book contacts, and Safari bookmarks, as well as providing an off-line web browsing feature and a file syncing feature. It apparently uses the PSP's built-in web browser for much of this functionality (converting your calendars into HTML which the browser displays, for example). This means that it requires a PSP with 2.71 firmware or above. It costs $29.99, but unfortunately there's no demo version of the software. Still, it looks like it adds significantly to the PSP's usefulness, especially for people who don't already carry around iPods or PDAs. Without any means of data entry, the PSP and the iPod are a little limited as PDAs, but I've often thought that there was a lot of untapped potential there, and this sounds like a good start.

http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_psp.php

Posted at 04:59 AM | Permalink |

Mon - May 22, 2006

The bizarre story behind the fall of Gizmondo

The Times Online has an interesting article detailing the story behind the fall of Gizmondo, the startup that claimed to be releasing a handheld to challenge the likes of Nintendo's DS and Sony's PSP. By all accounts the Gizmondo device itself was a flop from the very beginning. It was overpriced even if you chose the questionable "ad supported" service and game support was lacking. But the really interesting thing is how the company's founders (who were later discovered to members of the Swedish mafia) managed to blow through hundreds of millions of dollars with very little to show for it. They bought millions of dollars worth of jewelry, watches and exotic sports cars with company funds. You really have to wonder what was going on. Was it a scam from the beginning? Did Gizmondo really think they could make a go of it, or did its founders realize early on that they were doomed and just decide to milk the company for everything they could? Was it a real-life Brewster's Millions? We may never know all the details.

The company that blew it all in two years from the Times Online

Posted at 01:07 PM | Permalink |

Sun - May 21, 2006

(Video) Super Mario 64 beaten in 18 minutes with only 16 stars

This video is simply amazing. I've spent more than my share of time playing Super Mario 64 and Super Mario DS, but this guy knows tricks I never dreamed of and seems to be able to jump with godlike accuracy. If you've ever played this game, you owe it to yourself to watch this. I'm just speechless.

Super Mario 64 Speed Run on Gamespot.com

UPDATE: Well, this isn't actually a video of someone playing. It's a tool-assisted speed run, which is something that I had never heard of. As I understand it, they use an emulator and some software tools to enable the player to redo certain parts over and over, and to play at less than full speed. Sometimes they play at 5% normal speed, or even frame-by-frame. Why anyone would want to do this is an interesting question. I guess some people really love these games and want to try and come up with the "ultimate" run-through. Still, many of these moves aren't possible for actual human beings to perform, so in some sense they don't reflect what the game is actually supposed to be like.

NESVideos

Posted at 06:25 AM | Permalink |

Tue - May 9, 2006

USB Nintendo controllers from Retrozone

Retrozone is selling controllers for older console game systems that have been retrofitted to be standard USB controllers usable on Mac OS X, Windows and other OSes. They have a number of controllers for the NES and SNES, as well as kits that allow you to mod your own controllers (assuming you have some soldiering skills, which I do not).

These controllers sound like they would be great for playing classic games in emulation, or for giving newer games some old-school cred.

(From Ohgizmo! )

Posted at 09:04 PM | Permalink |