Is Sprint's Evo 4G Smart Phone the new king (and a true iPhone killer?)

It's 11 a.m. as I write this on Monday, June 7, we're about two hours away from a very important keynote from Apple's Steve Jobs, where he's expected to unveil a new iPhone that's thinner, faster and better in every way.

Last year's upgrade from iPhone 3G to 3GS brought users more speed and functionality, but in the past 12 months, smartphones using the Android operating system have slowly eaten away at Apple's advantages.

While the iPhone is still the easiest to use and most efficient smart phone out there, Sprint's new HTC Evo 4G trumps it, badly, in features. That's why this new iPhone really needs to do some amazing stuff. With Android phones at all the major cellular providers and iPhone stuck at AT&T -- which some users are becoming particularly frustrated with -- Apple needs to try to change the game.

Sprint smartly launched the 4G Evo touchscreen phone Friday, three days ahead of Jobs' announcement, and got tons of new customers to sign up as well as current ones to reup with two-year subscriptions. There are still rumors floating around that Jobs may move iPhone to more networks (which is badly needed) but well before Jobs takes the stage in San Francisco, Sprint is already celebrating a huge victory.

In a press release Monday, the company said Friday sales of the Evo 4G were the best ever Sprint has ever had for a single phone. In one day, the Evo 4G did triple the business that the Samsung Instinct and the heavily hyped Palm Pre did in three days. Combined.

So many people packed 22,000 Sprint stores and retail partners across the country Friday that the company's computer systems locked up and customers had enormous wait times to get their phones activated.

I got a demo of the phone from Sprint Saturday and have been using it heavily for the past two days. At 4.3 inches, the phone is huge. It's wider and taller than iPhone and much easier to read. Dell's upcoming Streak Tablet is 5 inches, for example. But even though it's big, the slender Evo 4G slips easily in your pocket.

The crystal clear screen is beautiful and the phone is blazing fast. If you've used the iPad, this phone is similarly responsive. When you launch something, it loads quickly. Typing is easy. The keys are larger than on iPhone, for example, and you get a little vibration each time you touch a key. Users with larger hands will appreciate the extra room, and I liked the little shortcut ".com" key that typed in the tail end of website addresses for you.

This is the first phone to use 4G and Charlotte is one of the first cities to get Sprint's faster network. It's not strong everywhere I've been in the city, but when you get it, it's faster than any mobile cellular network I've tried. Make that a lot faster.

Pages load fast and the Evo's pretty color screen displays them beautifully.

And there's much more.

Pinch to zoom control, popular on iPhone, works instantly. An 8 megapixel camera on the back delivers incredibly detailed photos and you can also shoot video, with up to 720p high-definition resolution. A simple cable can connect your phone to your TV for HD playback.

You can also use the phone as a WiFi hotspot, providing that 4G speed for up to eight devices. Sprint will charge $30 a month for it, however.

The Android Marketplace isn't as seamless as the Apple App store, but it's got tons of products to shop through, and you can download music through Amazon.

And one of my favorite features of the phone is a little kickstand on the back that allows it to sit upright without being held. This is good for 4G videoconferencing with other Evos -- oh did I tell you there's a front facing camera, too? -- or watching videos on a plane or bus or train.

My only gripe is battery life. Use 4G and it drains faster than a Ford Expedition runs through gas. But even without 4G running or a lot of applications and the phone in screen saver mode, it still drains way too fast. I find I have to plug in two or three times daily during my tests. A firmware upgrade or a better battery (this one is removable) may solve that.

Sprint has an advantage on AT&T and Verizon in price. Unlimited users on those networks pay about between $115 and $130 per month. At Sprint, you pay $99. The company is charging $10 for 4G access, so even adding that, you could still save some coin.

Sprint's entry level price for the phone is $69.99 per month, which includes unlimited data, unlimited text and 450 anytime minutes. Users also get unlimited calling to any mobile phone at anytime. To add 4G service would raise the cost to $79.99

With Sprint's aggressive monthly service plans, and an already solid 3G network, at least locally, this Evo 4G is going to be a serious competitor to lure customers away from other providers. For me, it was the best non iPhone smart phone I've ever used, and depending on what Steve Jobs announces in a few hours, it might be the best smartphone on the planet period.

No Verizon iPhone next week?

A Verizon spokesman, John Johnson, tells Beet TV that the company has no plans to carry the iPhone in the near future, driving a stake in the hearts of many who were hoping for a Verizon iPhone to be announced at the WorldWide Developers Conference next week.

Click here to see the interview

Report: Verizon is testing Apple iPads

Interesting news this, given the AT&T announcements about new data plans today.

Boy Genius cites sources in reporting that Verizon is testing the iPad this week.

Seems a lot of people are upset with AT&T adding a new 2GB cap on iPad 3G usage and with the company putting similar caps on iPhone.

Next week's big Apple announcement at the WorldWide Developers conference is sure going to be interesting.

AT&T changes data plans for iPhone, allows tethering

AT&T announced this morning that it would finally allow U.S. customers to tether their iPhones -- use the phones to give internet connections to other devices. Tethering will begin after Apple releases iPhone 4.

To add tethering will cost an additional $20 per month, however.

The wireless company will also change its data plan for iPhone users, currently $30 for unlimited use.

Beginning June 7, customers can choose a $15 per month data plan for 200 MB or pay $25 per month for a 2 GB plan. To use the tethering option, you will need one of the new plans.

Current smartphone customers don't have to switch, meaning you can stay with your current unlimited model, but current customers can make the change to the new rates without a contract extension.

Remember, you cannot tether under the old unlimited data plan.

Both new data plans include unlimited access at no additional charge to AT&T 20,000-plus Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the U.S. The company said it will help customers manage data usage by sending free text messages as you near usage limits as well as providing an app that will track usage.

AT&T said its new "DataPlus" plan, for 200 MB of data, is enough to send and receive 1,000 emails per month (with no attachments) plus 150 emails with attachments, plus view 400 web pages, post 50 photos on social media sites and watch 20 minutes of streaming video.

Switching to this plan would save current customers $15 per month. If you exceed 200 MB of data in a month, an additional 200 MB would be provided for an additional $15.

AT&T said 65 percent of its customers use less than 200 MB of data per month on average.

The "DataPro" plan provides up to 2GB of data, and would be the choice for most people who want to use the tethering option. AT&T said it would provide enough space to send and receive 10,000 emails with no attachments, plus 1,500 emails with attachments plus view 4,000 web pages, plus post 500 photos to social media sites and watch 200 minutes of streaming video.

If you still surpass this amount of data, customers would get an additional one gig of data for $10 per use in the cycle. Currently, AT&T says 98 percent of all smartphone customers use less than 2 GB of data per month.

Ulimately, these changes mean lower prices for the bulk of smart phone customers. Smartphone voice and data plans now start at $54.99 per month on AT&T and to add a line to a family plan is $24.99 per month or $15 less than previously.

Also, new iPad customers will have the $25 2 GB data plan replacing the $29.99 unlimited plan. This changes goes into effect June 7. So if you want unlimited data on iPad, you need to sign up before June 7.

ESPN: Michael Jordan to be videogame spokesman

Getting the cover of sports videogame is a pretty big deal among athletes these days, and rumors have had LeBron James and Derrick Rose as the most likely cover boys for 2KSports' NBA 2K11 which is due next fall.

But ESPN is reporting that the company has signed Michael Jordan to be the coverboy and spokesperson for the new game.

The Bobcats owner is also expected to be digitized as a character in the game. Remember when Mike used to block that from happening?

Having Jordan on the game could bring the Bobcats some additional publicity.

In addition, ESPN reports that 2KSports is talking to some of Jordan's 90-era teammates and opponents about potentially digitizing them into the game as well, allowing gamers to play with current and past stars as well as relive some of the '90s rivalries like Bulls-Knicks.

2K is expecting to show off the game at the annual E3 convention in June.

Wired Magazine releasing iPad version...and it looks cool

Wired magazine officially released its iPad version. The June issue is available for download for $4.99.

Wired editor in chief Chris Anderson writes that the digital version of the magazine will be available soon on nearly all other tablets.

"We have always made our stories accessible online at Wired.com," he writes, "but as successful as the site is, it is not a magazine. The tablet is our opportunity to make the Wired we always dreamed of. It has all the visual impact of paper, enhanced by interactive elements like video and animated infographics. We can offer you a history of Mars landings that lets you explore the red planet yourself. We can take you inside Trent Reznor’s recording studio and let you listen to snippets of his work in progress. And we can show you exactly how Pixar crafted each frame of its new movie, Toy Story 3."

Wired developers will use new digital publishing technology from Adobe to create the print and enhanced digi-vesions simultaneously using the same design tools.

At first glance, the magazine looks terrific in the video shown on the website. There are more pictures, videos, objects to enhance and explore. I would hope an annual subscription would appear at a cheaper price point, but it looks like Wired has nailed a first-gen product. I hope more magazines and newspapers follow. It would be neat to not have to walk out in the morning to get the newspaper, but to be able to see it in this type of version on a tablet device, and best of all, when your newspaper or magazine is done publishing, it could immediately be available on your iPad.

Imagine, guys, not having to look out the window waiting for the mailman to bring your Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue (and now the magazine would come with videos, too). And can you imagine how many new App store customers there would be when Oprah's "O" goes iPad digital?

Dell hopes to "Streak" past iPad with new tablet device

Dell announced its new "Streak" tablet computer today. It'll launch in the UK next month and in the U.S. later this summer. Pricing was not announced.

It has a five-inch screen and a 1 gigahertz processor. It's got a 5 MP autofocus camera with a dual LED flash and a front facing camera for eventual video chat capability. You can also make calls on it.

Users can remove the battery. It's got integrated 3G and Wi-Fi plus bluetooth.

The Streak runs Google's Android operating system and will have access to more than 38,000 Apps.

According to most reports it'll have a monthly subscription plan via AT&T. But due to the small screen size, this is more of a phone competitor than iPad tablet competitor. The iPad is nearly twice the size.

Larger Streaks are apparently coming, however, and choice is always good.

PulseWave 2 PC Gaming Headset debuts

TekNmotion has released a second version of its PulseWave gaming headset. The $60 PulseWave 2 has upgraded audio quality, the company claims, plus large speaker drivers and a more comfortable ear design.

The new headphones support 7.1 channel virtual surround (I'd actually like to hear how it does that) using a USB connector, and it also supports 2.1 channel stereo through a standard audio plug. If it could really do a "virtual" 7.1 that would neat for users who don't have an eight speaker setup connected to their computer.

The unit also has a detachable noise-canceling microphone and a Sonic Force Feedback vibration feature, which allows you to "feel" the action much the way the rumble-enabled controllers for videogames allow you a little "feel" while playing.

You can find it at Amazon.com, NewEgg.com or at teknmotion.com

Capcom's "attorney" game for iPhone/iPod Touch releases

Capcom has released "Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney" for iPhone and iPod Touch, via Apple's App Store.

The game puts you in the character of Phoenix Wright, a rookie defense lawyer, and you must get your client out of trouble by collecting evidence, surveying crime scenes and trying to figure out which witnesses are lying. Using your finger, you can manipulate or organize evidence.

The game is $4.99

Rumor: iPhone to Sprint

With all the rumors swirling around a potential Verizon iPhone, a new report claims that 16.8 percent of all Verizon customers are waiting feverishly for their chance to pocket Steve Jobs' favorite device.

But the most interesting rumor is that Sprint may be getting iPhone, too.

Most people will tell you that Verizon has better call quality and reliability than AT&T. I don't doubt that. Having used iPhone for 18 months now, I have had dropped calls with AT&T, but haven't experienced the issues that I read about online from some AT&T customers or former customers. I had the original GSM phone from AT&T several years back and never had an issue except in a few known dead spots (and what is it about that area around Highway 51 and Sardis Road that is like a cell phone purgatory?). So maybe it is iPhone load that is causing AT&T network issues, and maybe if iPhone users spread to more networks, it might relieve the strain on AT&T.

Although AT&T wouldn't want to lose all those customers paying higher iPhone monthly bills.

What I do know is that AT&T and Verizon offer virtually the same prices. Sprint is several steps below them, and Sprint offers plans that have unlimited calling to any mobile phone, and Sprint has launched its new high speed 4G network in several markets, including Charlotte.

Sprint's service locally has improved, I'm told, as has their customer service, which used to be a major problem.

Last week, AT&T announced it was increasing its early termination fees to $325 from $175 for all new contracts after June 1. This led to wild speculation that iPhone is indeed going to more carriers. The thinking goes that if Verizon or Sprint or T-Mobile got the iPhone in the fall, consumers who signed up for the new iPhone next month would be loathe to leave AT&T a few months later and pay the new bigger fee.

But if I'm one of the new carriers, assuming there are some, I would be mad if Apple didn't announce our availability at launch of the new phone next month. That hurts potential sales and gives AT&T a huge advantage.

I think Apple would be smart to move iPhone to multiple carriers as it does in other countries. The Android phones are quite good and are available across brands. From a competition standpoint, that hurts Apple.

So all eyes will be on Steve Jobs' keynote address June 7 at 1 p.m. at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. We know he's going to debut a new iPhone with the new operating system. But will he also say the magic words that many potential customers have been waiting to hear?

"And one more thing. Starting today, you can get iPhone from more carriers."

Pac Man turns 30 and gets on Google's home page, too

Quick, go hit google. You can play Pac-Man, for free, with your arrow keys. You can also play on your mobile phone.

Today is the 30th anniversary of one of the most simple -- and addictive -- video games of all time. Google says the Pac-Man demo, which is fully functional, will stay up for 48 hours.

If you tap the insert coin button twice, you can play Ms. Pac-Man at the same time by using the W-A-S-D keys for directional control.

Google says the game includes all 256 levels.

Have fun.

Note: To play on your mobile device, be sure to switch from "mobile" to "classic" view by toggling the control at the bottom of the Google page.

And now you can make Skype calls on your flat screen 50 inch

Ever wanted to make Skype video phone calls in HD?

Panasonic and Skype have activated something called SkypeTM on certain 2010 Panasonic-brand flat screens (VIERA CAST enabled models). Customers need a $170 special camera to allow video conferencing. The camera has four built-in unidirectional microphones, so you don't need to hold anything in your hand during conversation. Just get within viewing range of your TV and talk

The new setup will allow consumers to make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls directly from the boob tube. You can also make calls to landline or mobile phones for a fee. You get voicemail and the ability to conference with 24 other people.

A super-blending, smoothie-making, peanut smashing gadget for your kitchen

I love smoothies.

My kids love smoothies.

I just don’t like spending the better part of a 20 dollar bill every time the three of us want to have some.

That’s why I was so glad to try the Vitamix 5200 series blender. Only, I’m not sure I’d call it a blender. This thing will turn peanuts into peanut butter. It’ll spin so fast that it’ll turn out hot soup. As my wife will attest, I’m not much of a cook (a lot of Daddy-has-to-cook nights turn into Chick-Fil-A nights at my house), but I was game for anything with this machine.

There’s nothing I didn’t like about it. OK, there was one thing. It’s kind of shake-the-furniture loud when you turn it on high.

I’d also been testing that Jack LaLanne juicer ($99.99) you see on the infomericals every five minutes. I really like the Jack Juicer, too. It works well and will turn a carrot or two and an apple into a frothy speciality even my 6-year-old will devour. But the Jack Juicer is a little messy. It leaves large amount of pulp – the parts of the fruits and vegetables it can’t juice – in a little plastic container on the back of the machine.

Jack will tell you that you can use this pulp to make breads and other desserts, but me, I kind of wanted to get all those great nutrients that Jack talks about in the infomercial into my gremlin’s stomachs. After all, I am sneaking broccoli and spinach into my smoothies now, along with bananas and strawberries (the kids can’t tell).

The Vitamix leaves no pulp. Everything you put in, stays in. And you can blend to different textures: smoothie-like or totally smooth.

With pricing from $449 to $649, the Vitamix isn’t cheap but there are three-year payment plans available and it comes with a seven-year warranty that can be extended to 10 years. Surfing around the internet, trying to guage response to the product, I ran into a lot of raves from people who believe this is the last blender they’ll use for awhile.

I believe that. The Vitamix is tough. If you go to Smoothie King, you’ll notice it’s the brand used there. The 5200 delivers smoothies that are of the exact same consistency as those we buy at the store.

The machine comes with a huge cookbook, including smoothie recipes, soup recipes and directions for how to create things like oatmeal cranberry package pancake batter, curried lentil dip (it surprised me it was so good) and margaritas and daiquiris. Our drinks were virgin, of course.

And after a little trial and error, I was able to produce frosty smoothies that the kids said tasted just like the ones I was paying so much for. Only I could make them for about $1 per glass.

So in my house, over time, the Vitamix would pay for itself in smoothies alone.

NBA2K10 one of the best sports video games ever made

The NBA playoffs are going on, and that gave me a reminder to dust off a game that I had not reviewed when it came out several months ago, 2K Sports' "NBA 2K10."

This is the best basketball video game ever made.

Graphically, this looks as nice as any game I've ever tried (I have the Xbox 360 version). The players look and move like you're watching them on TNT or ESPN. I love how the crowd is more interactive, too.

Some of my favorite features:

The game keeps up-to-date with trades and injuries and player ratings. So if the real-life Kobe Bryant hurts his finger, your digital Kobe will, too.

There's now an energy guide below your players, which shows you how well they can sprint to the ball or to play defense. You will have to rest guys more, and depending on how you use them, they will or will not have enough stamina to finish the game strong.

2K Sports has tripled the play-calling options. You now have 24 plays to use and have multiple ways to get a three-point shot or to push the ball into the paint.

If you're connected to the internet, the game streams real-life matchups, news and stats. You can create a player and take him to summer camp, training camps or the NBA's developmental league.

This is a basketball game you'll enjoy for a long, long time. Grade: A.

U.S. video game sales down 26 percent

According to market researcher the NPD Group, the Great Recession -- or something -- is killing video game sales.

NPD reports that U.S. retail sales of videogames fell 26 percent in April, compared to April 2009. Videogames accounted for $766.2 million in sales last month, partially due to a lack of new games launching.

Hardware sales dropped 37 percent to $249.3 million. The best selling system, the Nintendo DS dropped by more than half to 440,800. Nintendo is expected to release a new handheld this summer, the 3DS.

I think sales of Apple's iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, which allow consumers to download games, at much cheaper costs, is also affecting sales. But experts say April is always a slow month because most videogame companies fiscal years end in March, leaving April as a dry month for new product releases.

Man wins $1 million playing baseball videogame

Wade McGilberry, a 23-year-old game lover from Mobile, Ala, just won $1 million by playing Major League Baseball 2K10.

He and his wife, Katy, who is also 23, plan to pay off their mortgage and start a family with the cash.

He won in about 90 minutes, becoming the first player to pitch a perfect game in Take-Two Interactive's baseball simulation game. The game maker offered the prize to the first person to pitch a perfect game and send proof. That means no hits, no walks and no hitters getting on base for any reason.

In real baseball, only 19 players have done it in history. Most recently, Oakland's Dallas Braden had one against Tampa Bay on May 9.

McGilberry bought the game after hearing about the million dollar promotion, and he started playing one day after work, with the video recorder running. He had his perfect game after "five or six attempts," he said

And now he's got a boat load of cash.

Verizon working on an iPhone launch ad?

Tech blog spot Crunch Gear reports on rumors of an ad agency already developing an ad for the launch of Apple's iPhone on Verizon's network later this year.

Apple is expected to unveil a new iPhone next month at a conference.

Many iPhone customers complain that AT&T's network is not very good, leading to dropped calls, slow internet connections and calls going directly to voicemail even when the phone shows full coverage.

Verizon claims it has the nation's best 3G network and many customers who want iPhones are loathe to leave Verizon for AT&T.

Rumors of iPhone coming to Verizon have circulated all year after speculation popped up that AT&T's exclusive contract with Apple is up this year, though some analysts believe that AT&T's special pricing for the iPad, offering cheap monthly rates with no contracts, was done to extend the exclusivity arrangement into 2011.

Toyota commercial tries to give Sienna minivan some "swagger"

Toyota has been really struggling lately, with as much bad press as Tiger Woods.

During all the stories about recalls and brake problems, the (former) No. 1 automaker has released a dramatically updated version of its Sienna minivan, dubbing it the "Swagger-Wagon" in a series of uproariously funny commercials.

The latest, which features the sport model Sienna (bigger tires, aggressive rims, funkier styling) is the best one yet.

As for the car, I've not driven it, but it looks better than any other minivan on the market right now, though the new 2011 Honda Odyssey, which is totally redesigned, looks funky as well.

Call it Swagger-Wagon 2.

And now the new rap video/spot for the Sienna SE.

Netflix-like subscription service for audiobooks is neat idea

Simply Audiobooks ( simplyaudiobooks.com) claims it has enough listening material to take a 90-minute daily commuter through 47 years of daily driving (radio programmers might not want to hear that). But the Web storefront has a good idea: Create a Netflix-like subscription service for audiobooks.

You set up a queue online for books of interest. There are more than 22,000 books on disc in 33 categories. There are no due dates or shipping fees. Simply return a book when you're done. You can also download books. There are annual and monthly billing options.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/07/1420387/iron-man-2-is-here-for-gamers.html#ixzz0nHI6D5N3

Iron Man 2, the game, lets you fly around as two superheroes

With any big blockbuster movie nowadays, you get the companion video game. Such is the case with "Iron Man 2" - which hits theaters today - and the video game of the same name, which also debuted this week for major videogame console systems.

To play, you choose between Tony Stark's alter ego or the War Machine, and you battle villains who can be as tall as skyscrapers. As with most hero games, your mission is - cue the dramatic music here - to save the world.

SEGA of America promises gamers will be able to customize their armored Iron Man suits in Tony Stark's secret lab and battle bad guys who are exclusive to the game, such as Crimson Dynamo and Ultimo.

Academy Award-winning actors Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson voiced their characters from the film, War Machine and Nick Fury. Two-time Grammy-nominated heavy metal band Lamb of God created an exclusive song - "Hit The Wall" - for the game.

The game is rated T for teen.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/07/1420387/iron-man-2-is-here-for-gamers.html#ixzz0nGawxiso

And the most popular videogame series of all time is....

Halo, according to the Guinness World Book of records, which surveyed gamers online for nine months.

Call of Duty and Legend of Zelda were No. 2 and 3.

Here's the rest:

Guitar Hero (#4), Metal Gear (#5),Super Mario Bros. (#6), World of Warcraft (#7), Gears of War (#8), Super Smash Bros. (#9), Grand Theft Auto (#10), Pokémon (# 11), Resident Evil (#12). Fallout(#13), Half-Life (#14), Sonic the Hedgehog (#15), Counter-Strike (#16),Runescape (#17), FIFA (#18), Kingdom Hearts (#19), Final Fantasy (#20), Pac-Man (#21), Madden NFL (#22), The Sims (#23), Tomb Raider (#24), WWE Smackdown Vs. RAW (#25), Rock Band (#26), LIttleBigPlanet (#27), Saints Row(#28), The Elder Scrolls (#29), (#30), God of WarGoldenEye 007 (#31), Bioshock(#32), KillZone (#33), Skate (#34), Left 4 Dead (#35), Need for Speed (#36),Chrono Trigger (#37), Gran Turismo (#38), StarCraft (#39), Ratchet & Clank(#40), Pong (#41), Tom Clancy's (# 42), Star Wars: Battlefront (#43), Battlefield(#44), Diablo (#45), Lego Batman (#46), Mario Kart (#47), Burnout (#48), Crash Bandicoot (#49) and Pro Evolution Soccer (#50).

New FIFA soccer game debuts Tuesday, Guinness celebrates

Tuesday, one of the most popular sports videogame series renews with 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

The Guinness World Records 2010 Gamer's Edition (yes there is a "world book" for videogaming) has highlighted some soccer records.

• Best-Selling Soccer Franchise: FIFA (EA, 1993 to present) EA has shipped more than 65 million copies, well ahead of Konami's PES (48 million). PES, however, debuted in 2001, eight years after FIFA.
• Largest Multiplayer Sports Game: FIFA 09 (EA, 2008) Allowing up to 20 gamers to play a match together, EA's FIFA 09 can accommodate more players than any other sports game. In online 10-versus-10 matches, each player assumes one of the 10 outfield positions on his team and plays there for the duration of the game. The only player not available is the goalkeeper.
• Fastest-Selling Title in the FIFA Series: FIFA 09 (EA, 2008) EA's FIFA 09 sold 1.2 million copies in the game's first week of release in October 2008.
• First Videogame to be Licensed by a Soccer Club for Recruiting Purposes: Football Manager 2009 (SEGA, 2008) In November 2008, the English Premier League's Everton Football Club signed a deal with game developer Sports Interactive to make use of the Football Manager 2009 database. Everton wanted to use the database to help with the scouting of new players, making the game the first to be officially used by a major soccer club for recruiting purposes.
• Most Real-Life Players to Appear in a Sports Game: Football Manager 2009 (SEGA, 2008) When Sports Interactive and SEGA released Football Manager 2009in November 2008, it featured over 5,000 playable clubs from over 50 countries, and at least 370,000 players and staff from around the world. Sports Interactive believes it has accurately predicted the rise of several world soccer stars, including Argentinean Lionel Messi.
• Longest-Running Soccer Series: Championship Manager (Eidos, 1992 to present) Management-focused soccer game Championship Manager has enjoyed an unbroken run of annual updates since its first release on September 1, 1992, a year before EA launched the FIFA series.
• First Soccer Game to Use the "Stadium" Viewpoint: NASL Soccer (Mattel Electronics, 1982) The first soccer videogame to offer a side-on, or "stadium", viewpoint was Mattel's pioneering NASL Soccer, which arrived on the Atari 2600 in 1982. This viewpoint has since become the default perspective for many of the leading action-focused soccer games, including the two genre-defining series FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer.

Man loses part of finger in iPad mall robbery

Be careful coming out of the Apple store with your iProducts.

Tim Tebow cover athlete for NCAA Footballl 11 videogame

Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow will be featured on the cover of EA Sports' NCAA Football 11, which hits stores July 13.

Tebow was the first sophomore in history to win the Heisman Trophy following his 2007 season as the Florida Gators’ starting quarterback. In that season, Tebow became the first player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a single year. Tebow is one of the most decorated college quarterbacks in history, winning the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s best quarterback in 2007 and becoming only the second player in NCAA history to earn the Maxwell Award, given to the nation’s top football player, which he won twice.

As for the game, NCAA 11 will, for the first time, reflect the real playing style of every NCAA Division I school. So running teams will run. Passing teams will pass.

The game, being developed in Orlando, will be available for PS3, PS2 and Xbox 360 at launch.

Get online Masters coverage early today (Woods in featured group)

Can't wait for ESPN's second round Masters coverage to sign on at 4 p.m. today?

Online coverage begins this morning at 10:45 a.m. with live coverage from Amen Corner. At noon, Masters Live will follow today's featured grouping of Tiger Woods (-4), K.J. Choi (-5) and Matt Kuchar (-2).

The Featured Group channel on Masters Live provides live video of selected pairings as they play at Augusta National. With the Woods, Choi & Kuchar pairing set to tee off Friday at 10:35 a.m, they should reach Hole No. 10 sometime between Noon and 1 p.m. ET. Viewers should be able to see at least half the round online.

Schedule for Masters Live Video on CBSSports.com and Masters.com for 4/9/10

Featured Group*

Friday, April 9: 12:00 Noon - 7:30 PM

Amen Corner Live*

Friday, April 9: 10:45 AM - 5:45 PM

15 & 16 Live*

Friday, April 9: 11:45 AM - 6:45 PM

Masters Extra

Friday, April 9: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Masters in 3D and bonus coverage options

Masters Golf fans will get multiple TV treats during this week's tournament.

-- The tournament will be streaming live in 3D at masters.com/3D

To view it, make sure to get all of the latest drivers and 3D Vision Video Player that supports video streaming. Check here for a quick guide on how to fire up the player.

2010 Masters Tournament 3D Live Broadcast Schedule (from www.masters.com/3D)

• Wednesday, April 7: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, April 8: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, April 9: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m
• Saturday, April 10: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m
• Sunday, April 11: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Note: replays of the live 3D broadcast will be available throughout the week.

Time Warner Cable customers throughout the Carolinas can view daily highlights in 3D on Demand. To see it, you must have a 3D TV and an Time Warner HD box with an HDMI output.

-- DirecTV is offering dedicated Masters Channels 700-705 all week, free to customers. HD version are also available. One channel will show the main network feed. Another will focus on Amen Corner, and a third on a featured group (think that might be Tiger's?).

--

Tiger Woods online video game out today

One day after Tiger Woods' official return to golf at the Masters, EA Sports has released the online version of his new video game.

The console versions (Wii, Xbox, PS3) will hit stores June 8.

EA Sports says "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online is the most authentic and feature-rich golf game you can play through a web browser." The game features HD graphics and requires no installation of software.

I was able to get up and going in about three minutes. And after you download an optional piece of software for better resolution, you pick one of the available courses and you're off and running. You can see how many other golfers are "playing" your course and chat with them. The game controls are simple. There's a mouse click to start the swing and another to stop it.

It takes about five swings to get the hang of it. And this is the kind of thing that could get you into trouble at work. The graphics are very realistic and the game involves wind and rain and greens that are fast and slow -- just like real golf. If you like the sport at all, this game will grab you fast.

In addition to the free areas, players can buy a monthly membership for $9.99, or an annual for $59.99 to get unlimited access to all the courses. You can earn points in the game to buy things in the golf shop, like new equipment and clothes for your golfers, but you can also buy points, too, for $9.99, $19.99 or $39.99.

Annual members will get a package of points to be used in the virtual pro shop.

Of course, better clubs allows you to hit the ball farther and more accurately, but I think you'll be able to earn points pretty quickly, rather than break out the credit card to buy them.

In addition to single player modes, EA Sports is also offering group tournaments. You will play with others throughout the world. Group leaders can set up personalized criteria for their tournaments, like picking your course -- and your playing conditions.

You can also instant message other players

This is well executed online game. I still prefer playing on a console with a wireless controller in my hand, but this is an awful nice distraction until the new console versions come out.

HP Tablet to challenge iPad?

Hewlett Packard released a new video showing off its upcoming Slate tablet computer. The video makes a point of showing off a direct USB connections and memory card inputs, things the iPad doesn't offer.

Could be interesting.

Apple sells more than 300,000 iPads on Day One

Apple released a statement today saying it had sold more than 300,000 iPads on Saturday, when the touchscreen computing device hit U.S. stores.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs said new owners downloaded more than one million apps and more than 250,000 e-books Saturday as well.

Some analysts predicted Apple would sell twice as many or more iPads, but considering this was Easter weekend, a family event that would keep most out of stores, that's not a bad start.

Also I think potential users are waiting on 3G models to arrive later this month (only Wifi models went on sale this weekend) and others might be waiting to hear initial reviews from consumers, instead of the journalist-driven ones, which have been largely positive.

Wall Street Journal: iPhone to Verizon this year

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple's ever-popular iPhone is indeed coming to Verizon this year.

Many industry pundits and analysts have speculated that the popular touch screen phone would come to what is generally considered the country's best overall network.

This is the most solid report yet.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is readying a model that would use a technology that would allow the iPhone to run on Verizon and Sprint's networks.

Most industry insiders predict a new iPhone, version 4.0, to be released this summer, in keeping with Apple's past release policies. The 4.0 is expected to be thinner, faster and have much better battery life.

Some industry analysts are saying the new phone, called iPhone HD, will debut on June 22 and will have a front-facing camera, enabling video chat. It also allow multi-tasking (using more than one app at once).

Losing the iPhone exclusivity could be a big blow for AT&T, which has more than 43 percent of the country's smart phone users. Verizon has 23 percent.

In the fourth quarter of last year alone, AT&T activated 3.1 million iPhone users. All those iPhone users have created a drag on AT&T's network. Users often flood message boards (and reporter's emails) with reports of dropped calls and slow service. AT&T has been active to try to revamp its network and has taken steps here in Charlotte to improve.

For Apple, opening up the iPhone to more companies could mean more money. The company has sold 25.1 million iPhones worldwide, but Verizon has 91 million customers, many of whom are wanting to try Apple's touchscreen technology.

For the customer, this could be good. Earlier this year, Verizon and AT&T cut $30 off their unlimited service plans, dropping from around $150 to $120 per month.

If the iPhone hits Sprint, with its potentially $99 everything plan, my guess is that the other two companies would have to follow.

Stay tuned.

Apple's iPad arrives Saturday

Some analysts think Apple will ship up to 10 million iPads to customers, when the device becomes available Saturday.

This much we know: the new device will be available in all 221 U.S. Apple retail stores and most Best Buy stores this Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.

The iPad, runs from $500 to $840, and lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, and read ebooks on a thin touchscreen about 10 inches big. Apple says the device has a battery life up to 10 hours.

Apple retail stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the Apple Store.

Lady Gaga comes to Rock Band

Hot pop singer of the moment, Lady Gaga, has a new four-pack of songs available for Rock Band.

Also out are new singes from 3 Doors Down, Mute math, the Subways and a Gaga cover song by Comedy Central's Eric Cartman ("South Park"). Cartman covers "Poker Face."

The songs will be added to the Rock Band music store of downloadable content next week for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

The Gaga songs available will be "Bad Romance," "Just Dance," "Monster" and "Poker Face."

New Tiger Woods video game, with Ryder Cup feature, due June 8

We may not know when -- of if -- Tiger Woods will return to the golf course, but we do know when his new EA Sports videogame comes out.

Electronic Arts (and, of course, Nike) are two of the few sponsors who haven't backed away from or broken ties from the World's No. 1 golfer, who has spoiled his image with a series of extramarital affairs.

The new Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 debuts on June 8 for the Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and iPhone platforms. Woods shares the cover with European golf sensation Rory McIlroy.

The big new feature will allow gamers to select a team and try to win the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup bi-annually matches a team of European stars, like McIlory, against their American counterparts.

In the videogame, players will choose the U.S. or Euro squad and participate in traditional Ryder Cup formats (singles, foursomes, fourballs and alternate shot). While in Ryder Cup mode, you can swap matches, so if one of your guys is doing poorly (or doing well) you can jump in and try to secure that "point" for your team.

Players can also take their team online in Xbox and PS3 version. Online, you can allow up to 24 players to compete head-to-head in the team mode.

The Wii version has added new swing mechanics using the Wii Motion Plus controller add on that will make the game more realistic for hardcore gamers or golfers. It now will read rotation or swing angle. The new "Tour Pro" swing mechanic will even check your swing plane, making the game a little like practice for real life golfers.

The Tour Pro swing also has a first person camera angle from the tee box to the green. EA Sports is calling it the "most immersive and authentic golf experience in any video game."

We'll get to find out soon -- and it'll be interesting to see if EA Sports can do good business with a Woods-driven product.

Get your iPad....On April 3

Apple will release its heavily anticipated iPad tablet device on April 3 and will take pre-orders beginning March 12, the company announced today.

The dates available are for the Wi-Fi model only. Apple plans to release a 3G enabled model in late April.

The iPad is a touchscreen device with a 10 inch screen that will let users do many functions that they currently use a laptop or desktop computer for -- web browsing, email, games, videos, photos, music -- in a lightweight hand-held device. The iPad will also have a built-in e-reader that many publishers are creating specialized content for.

iPad will be available in Wi-Fi models on April 3 in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB.

ChangeWave surveyed 3,171 consumers and found a huge demand for the iPad, saying it was greater than the original pre-release demand for iPhone.

Verizon to allow Skype usage over wireless network

Wireless carrier Verizon plans to allow customers to use Skype over its wireless network. In late March, Verizon subs who have data and voice service plans will be able to download a Skype application.

Verizon will make the Skype application available on nine phones initially. Those phones include the new Droid and several types of Blackberrys.

That will allow users to make free calls to other Skype users, make international calls at Skype's low rates. Verizon said the Skype "app" will be always on, so users can see if a friend is signed on even when a phone is in standby.

Users might also take advantage of Skype's calling plans, which allow users to call any type phone. Skype has a $2.95 plan for unlimited calls to U.S. and Canada land lines and cell phones. It has a $12.95 plan that provides unlimited calls to landlines in more than 40 countries worldwide. You can also buy minutes as you need them.

What does that mean?

Consider a Verizon unlimited smart phone customer is currently paying $119 per month. He could go to a reduced minutes package and drop his Verizon bill to $89, planning to subscribe to Skype and making most of his calls that way.

AT&T U-Verse Adds Caller ID locally

Charlotte AT&T U-verse customers can now get caller ID on their TVs.

The new Caller ID on TV app lets customers view Caller ID and voicemail notifications on their TV. A small message appears on screen for about six seconds when you get a new call or voicemail.

Here's a demo video:

Game developers choosing iPod Touch over PSP, DS?

Interesting article on developers starting to prefer iPhone and iPod Touch over Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.

Game Developer Research says 19 percent of handheld game developers are now busy building games for the Apple products, which is more than double the amount for Nintendo DS and PSP developers.

Also the company says handheld games are 25 percent of the gaming market, up 12 percent since the iPhone and iPod touch became serious players.

I think the Apple model works. Customers can download games immediately for their systems. The games are much cheaper than games for the other systems, partly because you don't need packaging or shipping.

Sony has answered with its own downloadable game playing PSP version. I think handheld gaming will continue to head that direction, and sooner than you think, most of the games in GameStop or stores like that will be for home consoles.

And I wonder who'll be first to really push downloadable games at home. It's totally possible now, but of course, it would dry up a huge revenue stream for game companies. It would be nice to just download the Madden 11 update for, say, $9.99 instead of having to spring for a new game at $50 a pop.

Wouldn't it?

Madden sim says New Orleans wins Super Bowl 35-31

In its annual Super Bowl simulation using the Madden videogame, Electronic Arts finds that the New Orleans Saints will win Sunday's big game 35-31.

The simulation was run on Xbox 360 using the Madden videogame.

In the sim, the Colts lead 24-21 after three quarters, but Reggie Bush gets the Saints going with a 42-yard punt return for a score. Then the Colts come back and score behind QB Peyton Manning and RB Joseph Addai for a 31-28 lead.

But late in the game, Saints QB Drew Brees, who wins MVP honors, throws a championship-winning 11-yard pass to David Thomas for the game winner.

The simulation used each team’s current roster and the latest player statistics. EA says Madden NFL 10 was able to accurately predict the outcome of both the NFC and AFC Championship games within a margin of three points for each game.

EA SPORTS utilized this same simulation formula to correctly predict the outcome of Super Bowl XLIII (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals) and has correctly predicted the Super Bowl winner for five out of the last six years, since the official Madden NFL Super Bowl simulation began in 2004.

Me? I still think the Colts win 38-20.

Dell debuts new mini-gaming super netbook

Today, Dell has introduced the Alienware M11x, which the company is calling the "most powerful 11-inch laptop in the universe."

It's said to be as powerful as a standard 15-inch laptop but in smaller design. The new unit weighs less than five pounds and starts at $799.

Alienware M11x Key Specs:

· Processor: Up to Intel® Core™2 Duo SU7300 (1.3GHz, 800 MHz, 3 MB)

· Graphics: 1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 335M

· Memory: Up to 8GB DDR3³ 1066MHz

· Hard Drive: Up to 500GB⁴ 7200RPM or 256GB⁴ Solid State Drive

· Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate (64-bit)

· Connection: 802.11 b/g/n & Optional Internal WWAN

· Ports: HDMI / VGA / 3 USB / Media Card Reader / FireWire

· Battery Life: Up to 8.5 Hours of Battery Life¹

· Performance: Over 6,100 3DMark 06 Score! ²