My Cybershot Goes HD

I've been using my dependable Sony T-30 for the last 4.5 years and it never gave me any trouble. Yet thousands of brilliant shots later I find it necessary to switch to a new machine that can shoot movies in true HD. TX-7 is my weapon of choice and this shot was taken from my Hong Kong apartment with the low twilight mode. TX-7 enhances the lights and takes great shots in dark. Another thing I was sold on is the sweep panorama which lets you take panoramic shots with a simple swipe. Other spec: 3.5" touch wide-screen, docking station with HDMI out, 10mp 16:9 aspect ratio still mode among my favorites.

Macro Art

Sony PSP Optic Reader via Cybershot T30 :: click to enlarge

Solid Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 Deal

I've been a big fan of the Metal Gear series and today I learned the launch date for the 4th game; Guns of the Patriots; it is June 12th. Sony also announced a MGS4 PS3 bundle which includes an 80G PS3, the game and the Dual Shock3 for $499 which is a great deal actually. I wonder if there will be some sort of MGS graphic treatment on the PS3 console itself. Just like the red GOW PSP below. Metal Gear will sell a lot of PS3s.

UPDATE: Judging by the box image; PS3 will be in classic black. Everyone seems to drool over the box art but there is a major design flaw on it actually. Check out Snake's reflection on the PS3; since it's the mirrored image of Snake's 2D rendering it's not realistic as a true reflection; if it was you should be able to see his inner thigh in this pose.

So long HD DVD

It's not official yet but all indicators show that we're in HD DVD death watch. After the Warner announcement back in CES, HD DVD never recovered. Best Buy's decision followed by WalMart's yesterday as they are going to carry Blu Ray format moving forward also. I feel quite sad for those consumers who spent all that cash on HD DVD. Well Sony's revenge was harsh as they got back at Toshiba for beating Beta with their VHS & I believe this was the last of the physical format wars.

Sphere Controller Concept

Joystiq held a design competition way back during PS3 launch. It was a mystery how the new PS3 controller was going to look like and they asked their readers to pitch in. Sony played it safe and kept the Dual Shock design but I recall this cool concept submitted by one Adam Portilla. It's a sphere shape controller and I believe it'd be quite ergonomic to hold it too. I'll prototype one and will update it here with feedback. Kudos to Adam indeed. I think it can never be a mass marketed item but would make a very nice special edition licensed controller. Katamari Damacy maybe?

Leak: Sony Ericsson Phone called Alona

There is a european mobile phone show coming up next week and as a show classic you expect to see some concept phone leaks from companies; I saw a couple today but the noteworthy one is this one from Sony Ericsson called Alona. I can't tell how thin it is but it sure is a slider with a touch control interface on the front. Safe to assume it has a MS Duo port on the side. japanese design influence; it loosk quite yummy indeed. Will update this with pricing and availablity details after the show.

UPDATE: W980; HSDPA, 2.2" TFT (240 x 320), 8GB mem, 3.2MP camera, BT, FM Radio, Turns out to be a clamshell design afterall. In stores June 2008

Champion of Handheld Computing

This little handheld computer from Sony does it all. One seen in the image is the latest rev from Vaio group, the UX390, 32G flash based memory, 4.5" touchscreen, state of the art processor, slide up screen exposing a backlit keyboard; Wi-fi, Bluetooth caps, and pretty much everything a high-end laptop can also offer. The benchmark of handheld computing in this day and age with no challengers in sight. Will set you back about two grands which is essentially a steal :)

CNET review: http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_VAIO_UX390N/4505-3126_7-32306444.html?tag=pdtl-list

PS3 Controller Mod

Law mods his PS3 controller and replaces the top housing with his antique red PS1 controller top... Result:

- Port assignment red LEDs lights up the whole top housing creating a nice effect

- Semi-transparant finish gives the controller a more techy look

- He has a unique PS3 controller

Though seem easy; this mod is not for faint of heart; it has couple complications that need careful execution and attention to detail.

First: To create the PS button opening on the PS1 controller top housing (requires a handheld rotary tool and lots of patience)

Second: Trimming certain plastic parts on the inside for utmost fit (luckily the screw holes allign very well)

This mod will also remind you that your rumble has been taken away from you; damn you Immersion!

For detailed how to info hit Law at: hellolawrence@gmail.com

Law dares Sony!

Dallas dislocated, San Diego located Lawrence Yeung, aka Law, is a gifted Industrial Designer who also happens to be my very dear friend. So this CCS grad won an award with his Sony concept car, showcased in Detroit Auto Show delivering a modular car concept that can be fully customized by adding compartments on the rear end. Where does Law get his inspiration? "Futurictic handheld gadgets" he says... Watch out for Law, you'll hear a whole lot about him in years to come.

GoBoard by Sony

Ha! Sony filed a patent application for this this board on a wheel design today, which kind of looks and perhaps works like a Segway. You'll manuever, accelerate or brake by shifting the center of gravity.

Jump here for more:
http://www.newscientisttech.com/article.ns?id=dn10874&feedId=online-news_rss20

GPS for PSP - Release it already!

So I can now buy a GPS antenna ($60) for my PSP from the land of the rising sun but I still can't use my PSP as a GPS unit. Other than two LMAO game applications this antenna is pretty useless now. How come the hardware is ready but the maps are not ready for download? I want to see where I am going on my PSP screen already. Call me impatient but isn't this like releasing the next gen console without any games? Giddy up Sony!