Gizmodo: e3 2006

E3 2006 Clips: E3 Morning Stampede

gizmodo.com — Fri, 12 May 2006 14:43:15 EDT

The combined might of Team Giztaku got footage of the crowd rushing into West Hall this morning just as the doors opened. The Playstation 3 booth is on the left, the Nintendo booth's the big white and blue thing on the right—notice where the stampede's headed? Yeah.

Here's an itty bitty sampler of the kinds of tasty posts that've been going up on our pasty nerdy gamer brother Kotaku lately, head on over there to get updates fresh off the E3 floor during the day:
Nintendo Wii - $249?
E306: Justify Your Game Name: Shigeru Miyamoto and the Wii
God of War 2 E306 Gameplay Trailer
Ken Kutaragi On The PS3's Price

E3 2006: Mac Envy In The Wild

gizmodo.com — Thu, 11 May 2006 21:07:11 EDT

We're at E3 this week writing stories for our dorky pale sibling Kotaku and just spotted this pitiful Dell Inspiron in the press room, desperately wishing it was something it will never ever be. And yes, we're totally typing this on our beautiful new MacBook Pro.

E3 2006: Razer Tarantula Gaming Keyboard

Travis Hudson — Thu, 11 May 2006 19:24:58 EDT

This keyboard made its debut at CES back in January, but since then it has gotten quite a makeover with some new fantastic features. The Tarantula has added complete macro functionality. Any kind of macros can be bound to the outside keys on the left and right sides using Razer's software. In addition to the programmable keys on the side, every key on the keyboard can be programmed to do something else or disabled entirely Get the rest of the scoop after the jump.

The keys have some nice techie upgrades that include anti-ghosting and optimized hyperesponse technology. The anti-ghosting prevents key jamming when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously and the hyperesponse functionality reduces key-press latency and provides a better—supposedly 1ms—response time.

Unforunately backlighting was not possible because of the key features mentioned above, but to compensate for that there is an included mini lamp that attaches above the F keys and provides a little bit of blue light on the keys. Also included are five programmable profile settings and microphone, headphone and USB ports.

This keyboard will be available in August for $99.

Booth Babes Then and Now

Charlie White — Thu, 11 May 2006 11:01:04 EDT

If you were worried that there wouldn't be any more booth babes at E3, well, the babes are still there, they're just covering up a little bit more this year because of the recent prudishness that has pervaded the trade show.

We're thinking that it's what's inside the clothes—rather than the clothing itself—that makes the babe. But still. There must be some better booth babe shots than this. Send your booth babe shots to gizmodobox at gmail with the subject line BB and maybe we'll post one or two—guys and gals welcome!

Despite controversy, 'booth babes' still prowl E3 [c|net]

E3 2006: Saitek Round-Up

Travis Hudson — Wed, 10 May 2006 21:42:45 EDT

We got a chance to talk to the folks at Saitek about their upcoming products. They have the Eclipse II keyboard, GM3200 Laser Mouse and the Pro Flight Rudder Pedals. Get the full scoop after the jump.

The Eclipse II keyboard is the latest in the Eclipse keyboard series. This features the same backlit keys, but now they come with a true dimmer dial in three colors: red, purple, and blue. Other than that, it is the same 'ole keyboard. Media keys, adjustable wrist rest and a weighted base are all included. It will be available in July for $69.

Next up is the GM3200 Laser Mouse. This mouse has a 4-stage DPI-adjustment that is controlled with a switch below the scroll wheel and has settings for 800, 1600, 2400 or 3200 DPI. It also has multiple profile settings so your wacky left-handed second cousin's neighbor won't mess up your precious controls. It is wired-only and will be available in September for $50.

Lastly, Saitek is releasing the Pro Flight Rudder Pedals to go along with their X52 or other flight control systems. It has adjustable sized pedals, tension and damping adjustments and a weighted based to prevent movement. It plugs in via USB so it can be used independently without the joystick. It will be available in July for $129.

E3 2006: Eye of Judgement Camera

Travis Hudson — Wed, 10 May 2006 17:08:59 EDT

This is the Eye of Judgement CRAAAAW—you know, because it looks like a claw. This monstrosity of a device is actually a PS3 camera peripheral for the Eye of Judgement game. The game itself is somewhat odd. A three by three grid is placed on the table with this camera mounted beside it. Once cards are played the Eyetoy claw will capture it and summon the beast on the television screen. Essentially, it is a mediocre card game with animations on a screen. Check out the video on Kotaku for the full scoop here.

E306: Eye of Judgement Demo [Kotaku]

E3 2006: Microsoft USB Wireless Receiver and other Hardware Info

Travis Hudson — Wed, 10 May 2006 15:34:41 EDT

Bloops! In our Microsoft peripheral coverage yesterday we forgot to mention the most glorious peripheral for avid PC users. A USB wireless receiver for all Xbox 360 wireless peripherals. So yes, you can finally use the wireless controller, the upcoming wireless force feedback steering wheel and even the wireless headset with USB goodness. This will be out this "holiday season"—which has been the most popular phrase by Microsoft reps so far. Sorry for the lack of pictures, blame Microsoft for not having the product or any pictures.

Get more after the jump.

Rookie Gizmodoian, Jason, also drilled a Microsoft marketing rep about if the HD DVD player for the Xbox 360 will be compatible with the PC. The response: "TBD"—this happened to be the second most popular phrase by Microsoft Reps. So maybe there is some hope for the HD DVD player being cross compatible.

Also we had a sit down regarding the Live Anywhere functionality that will allow Xbox Live to function over mobile phones, PCs and the Xbox 360. It is reported that the mobile Xbox Live function will begin with phones running on Windows Mobile 5, but they are trying to reach out to other cellphone manufacturers to incorporate Xbox Live into all phones.

Lastly, the mobile phone connectivity mentioned in the press event yesterday had some misleading information. They said that you could download content to your Xbox 360 via the mobile phone. This is stretching the truth. Unless you have your Xbox 360 on all the time, the feature only queues up a download and it will actually start once the Xbox 360 is turned on, so yes, you still have to wait while the massive files are downloaded. Bummer.

One other thing about Live Anywhere functionality is that it's right now only compatible with Windows Vista. We asked if Windows XP support was going to be put in, but got hit with yet another TBD.

Nintendo Wii Controller: Aural Feedback

Charlie White — Wed, 10 May 2006 12:57:40 EDT

The remarkable Wii controller for the upcoming Nintendo gaming system does a lot of way-cool stuff. As we watched the streaming demo online yesterday from here at the mother ship, we noticed the controller itself has built-in speakers, allowing gamers to, for example, hear the twanging sound of a crossbow releasing its arrow in their hands and then experience that sound following the arrow into the screen. Wow.

After the jump, find out more from our Kotaku experts as they link to Gamespot with a hands-on review of the Nintendo Wii controller.

Aural Controller Feedback: Wii Remote Has Built-In Speaker [Kotaku]

E3 2006: N-Gage Still Kickin'

Travis Hudson — Wed, 10 May 2006 00:54:26 EDT

Yep, the N-Gage is still alive and kickin' at The Standard hotel rooftop bar. This lady may have not said it, but we know that she was ready to throw the N-Gage off the roof of this glamorous hotel in downtown LA. Apparently Nokia thinks that it may still have a chance in the mobile market and decided to hold a press shindig regarding the N-Gage.

I apologize, there is a bit of Nokia news that came from this event. Earlier in the day Microsoft announced the Xbox Live ménage a trois between the Xbox 360, Windows PC and mobile phones. Nokia will be partaking in the three-way with their mobile phones. You can check up on your gamerscore, do a little game tweaking, send and receive messages and much more with the mobile Xbox Live that will be available on Nokia phones using Windows Mobile 5. Head on over to Kotaku for the full scoop on the Microsoft press event and all other E3 news.

E3 2006 Clips: Nintendo Wii Tennis

gizmodo.com — Tue, 09 May 2006 22:35:13 EDT

Those of you out there who doubt that the Nintendo Wii's Remote is going to be the best thing ever: If you're still drinking the total haterade after watching this video of Reggie Fils-Aime, Satoru Iwata, Shigeru Miyamoto and one lucky contest winner playing Wii tennis at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference this afternoon, there is no love in your shrivelled heart and not even unicorns and rainbows can save you now.

[via Kotaku]

E3 2006 Booze Watch: Margarita Machine

gizmodo.com — Tue, 09 May 2006 21:44:04 EDT

So far Team Giztaku's favorite gadget from all the pre-E3 press events we've attended over the past two days is this beautiful, beautiful Margarita machine we had the pleasure of acquainting ourselves with over and over again at yesterday's Sony press conference.

To the catering guy who made the decision to fill the machine with muy delicioso 1800 instead of nasty cheap stuff, and to the Margarita machine rental company Margarita Man LA: we salute you both.

E3 2006: Xbox 360 HD DVD Player

Travis Hudson — Tue, 09 May 2006 19:18:07 EDT

Well, folks, this is it. Microsoft showed the actual external HD DVD player and mentioned that it will be out this Fall/Holiday Season-ish. We're predicting a November release in traditional Xbox fashion. No price point, either. At least it's pretty, and isn't that really all that matters?

E3 2006: Microsoft Peripheral Frenzy

Travis Hudson — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:59:34 EDT

Microsoft has announced three sexy and savvy pieces of hardware. First up, a Microsoft branded steering wheel that will be released in conjunction with Forza Motorsports 2. The actual steering wheel itself seems pretty average, but the big perk is that it is wireless.

Next up is a truly wireless headset. This features the same form factor as the modern Bluetooth cellphone headsets, unfortunately it is not Bluetooth. At least you will look classy when 12-year-old kids cuss you out for sucking at a Halo.

Lastly Microsoft will finally be releasing their ~~Eyetoy~~ Xbox Live Vision Camera. This camera will allow you to put your face into games and game interaction. Of course we can expect some video conferencing features being added to Xbox Live. Sex chat anyone?

There was no price points, but if it continues in the usual Microsoft peripheral fashion, then expect to pay upwards of $50 to $75. All of these accessories will be available this holiday season. .

E3 Online Community: Bad Cameraphone Shots, Drunken Commentary

johnb — Tue, 09 May 2006 13:54:26 EDT

Nothing portrays the glamor and glitz of E3 better than a bunch of dudes standing around drinking and avoiding eye contact. Thanks to E3 and iMeem, we now have an official E3 PARTAY-PHOTO-WEBSITE-COOLNESS-WOW-site where we can read such exciting news as:

Well since Imeem for some reason doesn't allow cut and paste functions, I was going to post my party list here listing a day by day listing of all the cool parties at E3. But since I can't do it, I guess never mind

and:

Siliconera has a preview of some of the compelling but lesser known games that will be at E3 this year. I think the flight game for the Wii looks like it could be a cool game.

Who says online content isn't compelling? Let's step it up there, boys. More booth babes, less of the talkie talk.

iMeem Page [imeem at E3]

E3 2006: Sony Wifi Hijinks

Travis Hudson — Tue, 09 May 2006 13:35:29 EDT

Silly Sony. They had this sign up in the reception area of their E3 press event and people crammed around the tables actually believing that this was the only places that had wireless access. If Sony can get people to believe that Wi-Fi is limited to specific area than maybe they have a chance convincing us that Blu-Ray is the way to go.