Rumor: New PS3 Models Require HDMI For HD

 

 

There’s a report that future PS3 models – starting with an upcoming K model – will require an HDMI cable for HD resolutions, thus stopping HD playback via component cables.

A rumor from Kotaku via a reader states that a new K model of the 160GB system (which starts shipping out this week, apparently) will require an HDMI cable for HD playback. You can still use a component cable with the system (and, in fact, the new PS3s will ship with a non-HDMI A/V cable in the box), but the component port won’t put out an HD signal. This change will not affect older PS3 models.

We’ve put in an inquiry to Sony on the matter, and will update this story if we hear back.

 

The Iomega Superhero saves the day for your iPhone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is either great arrogance or confidence that motivates Iomega to call their backup and charger for the iPhone the Superhero, so I had to see whether or not it lives up to its name.

After all, most superheroes from movies, television, and comic books tend to swoop in and save the day. I suppose that this Superhero saves an iPhone from running out of power at a critical moment. Not only that, it has the ability to back-up photos and contacts on its included 4GB SDcard.

This keeps your photos and other information backed up in a secure place, and makes it easy to transfer this information to a new iPhone in case yours is lost, stolen, or destroyed. You can upgrade the card to more memory if you want to store more photos or data as well.

The Superhero is quite easy to use as the user just puts it in the dock, and a progress bar tells you when the back-up is complete. You will need to download an App for it to work, and you will need iOS 4 as well. At least the App is free.

All in all, the Superhero is a handy place to backup the data on your iPhone, which is needed in an emergency situation. So it really is a superhero, in a way. If you feel that your iPhone is crying out for something like this, head on over to the Iomega website and lay down $54.99.

Maybe iPads Won’t Hurt Portable Game Sales That Much After All?

Even here in the GI offices amongst some fairly hardcore gamers, it’s pretty common to hear some bellyaching about how the rise of the iPad and other tablet devices is sure to cut into the portable game market. Some new research suggests that may not be the case, though. IndustryGamers has the data courtesy of Resolve Market Research. According to new polling, tablet sales are having less of an effect on portable console sales than last year. In 2010, 38 percent of those polled said they would not buy a portable gaming console after purchasing a tablet. In 2011, that number dropped to a slightly less frightening 26 percent. Even here in the GI offices amongst some fairly hardcore gamers, it’s pretty common to hear some bellyaching about how the rise of the iPad and other tablet devices is sure to cut into the portable game market. Some new research suggests that may not be the case, though. IndustryGamers has the data courtesy of Resolve Market Research. According to new polling, tablet sales are having less of an effect on portable console sales than last year. In 2010, 38 percent of those polled said they would not buy a portable gaming console after purchasing a tablet. In 2011, that number dropped to a slightly less frightening 26 percent. Likewise, the number of people who said they would not buy a gaming console after buying a tablet dropped from 27 percent in 2010 to 14 percent in 2011. In fact, the only devices more likely to not be purchased due to tablets are e-book readers and laptop computers. Nearly half of those polled said they play games even more across platforms after having purchased a tablet device. Polls can only tell us so much, but this could be good news for Sony and Nintendo, both of which have new portable gaming devices entering the market. For those in the audience who own an iPad or other tablet or plan to buy one, has it made you less interested in the 3DS or Vita? Likewise, the number of people who said they would not buy a gaming console after buying a tablet dropped from 27 percent in 2010 to 14 percent in 2011. In fact, the only devices more likely to not be purchased due to tablets are e-book readers and laptop computers. Nearly half of those polled said they play games even more across platforms after having purchased a tablet device. Polls can only tell us so much, but this could be good news for Sony and Nintendo, both of which have new portable gaming devices entering the market. For those in the audience who own an iPad or other tablet or plan to buy one, has it made you less interested in the 3DS or Vita?

Top-10 must-have gadgets

Amazon Kindle (Wi-Fi)

The third-generation Kindle’s winning combination of noteworthy upgrades–an improved screen, better battery life, lighter weight, and lower price–vaults it to the top of the e-book reader category.

 

Apple iPad 2 (16GB, Wi-Fi)

 

The iPad 2 refines an already excellent product. Its easy-to-use interface, vast app catalog, and marathon battery life bolster Apple’s claim to being the king of tablets.

 

HP Pavilion dm1z

 

The first laptop to offer AMD’s power-efficient Fusion platform delivers on much of its promise, combining great battery life, decent performance, and basic graphics for less than $500.

HTC ThunderBolt

 

 

The HTC ThunderBolt lights up with blazingly fast data speeds, but those who want 4G now should be aware that it takes a big toll on the smartphone’s battery life.

 

Klipsch Image S4i earphones with mic (White)

The Klipsch Image S4i earphones offer up sound quality on par with and better than sets that cost many times as much, and they include compelling extras for iPhone and iPod users.

Kodak Playsport

 

The Kodak Playsport is an excellent minicamcorder that can take some rough treatment and capture solid HD video.

 

Logitech Harmony One

While it’s missing an RF option, Logitech’s Harmony One is one of the best–if not the best–universal remote we’ve ever tested.

 

Motorola Atrix 4G

 

The laptop dock is a decidedly cool (and pricey) feature, but the dual-core Motorola Atrix 4G has plenty to offer on its own. The smartphone packs speed and high-end features into a sleek package and earns its place at the top of AT&T’s Android lineup.

 

Roku XDS (2100X)

Thanks to its wide range of content offerings–including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, and Pandora–the Roku XDS is the best all-around streaming media box you can get for less than $100

 

T-Mobile G2x

The T-Mobile G2x’s simple Android interface, blazingly fast speeds, and polished look make it the phone to beat in T-Mobile’s lineup.