Performance Capture Video Game Technology Moves from Research to Living Room

The success of Microsoft’s Kinect, nearly a decade of motion capture academic research, and six months of behind-the-scenes product development have led to the creation of Activate3D’s (www.Activate3D.com) Intelligent Character Motion software. Activate3D’s software expands the possibilities for enhanced character motion in video games that use natural interaction devices such as Kinect.

GeoHot's latest discovery: Reveals PS3 'root key' to allow custom/pirated software

George "GeoHot" Hotz, a hacker renowned for cracking the Apple iPhone, has just announced his finding and public release of the root key used by Sony's PlayStation 3 console. The root key was in-place to verify the authenticity of software being run on the PS3, in order to counter-act the use of pirated/homebrew software on the console.

However, with this release, should the root key be correctly applied, it would mean that any software could be played on the PlayStation 3, including modified versions of original content or entirely new games altogether.

Psai interactive audio – in action, on video!

Psai, Periscope Studio Hamburg’s unique interactive audio middleware for videogames, is being premiered with its first ‘TECHLAB’ live-action video.

Available to view via the Psai website www.homeofpsai.com, the premier video shows the dynamism, intelligence and simplicity of the Psai interactive audio middleware in action.

DX Studio v4 to include cross platform support

Software developers Worldweaver Ltd, based in Pinewood Studios (UK), announce upcoming features of DX Studio v4, due for release later this summer.

Key to version 4.0 will be a new player for Android devices (such as the Google Nexus One or the Motorola Droid), and a lightweight cross platform Java+OpenGL player.

PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 3 slim to get BBC Television support with version 3 software update

Sony Entertainment has announced that PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 3 slim will support BBC iPlayer from September onwards through its PlayStation Network. you can watch the last seven days programs in High definition. This service is only expected to be available in the UK at present.

The PlayStation will also come equipped with new movie streaming service.

Sony will also be reducing the price of the latest PlayStation 3 slim to £249.99 in the UK.

The latest PlayStation 3 will support movie rental and download and Sony has signed agreements with movie studies like 20th Century Fox and Paramount to support this.

Commenting on this, Sony Computer Entertainment president and chief executive Andrew House said: "This is no longer just for hardcore gamers, but for everyone. We believe that everyone enjoys entertainment differently and should have the choice as to what entertainment they consume and exactly how they consume it. PlayStation is the gateway to that entertainment."

PlayStation 3 Firmware 3.0 full change list - Firmware 3 will be pre-installed in all PlayStation 3 Slims - Firmware 3.0 is released on 1st September

Here's a full change list for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 3 Slim Firmware 3.0.

It will be released for download on 1st September 2009 for all PlayStation 3 consoles and will come pre-installed in the NEW PlayStation 3 slims...


GENERAL:

* Access the latest PlayStation Store contents directly from the Games and Videos sections of the XMB interface.
* Areas where the screen keyboard is shown will now allow for the ability to copy text.
* When you create folders on your media, the folders can be of the photo, music and video type.

SETTINGS:

* The sound settings area let you select simultaneous audio output, which makes the system output sound simultaneously through HDMI, optical, and AV Multi. However, everything except for the connection specified in the main audio output setting outputs in 2 channels only.
* Video settings adds HDD audio language and HDD subtitle language options. Using these, you view videos using language tracks and subtitles from your hard disk. Some content does not allow for these settings to be used.
* System settings adds the the ability to activate DTCP-IP. This lets you undergo internet based authorisation that’s required for viewing copy protected videos on a media server.

VIDEO:

* When playing back video content, you can use the right stick on your wireless controller for forward and reverse.

NETWORK:

* “Print this page” added to the internet browser menu.
* “Save screenshot” added to the internet browser menu.

FRIENDS:

* Can view message history between friends in the profile screen.


Full PlayStation 3 slim specifications and pricing here on Gamezplay...

PSP Firmware 5.0, PlayStation 3 firmware 2.5 all the info

The PSP add PSP Store, enabling direct access to downloadable content, better still wallets (i.e. PSN accounts) are usable on both the PSP and Playstation 3 - including cash in your wallet.
On the PlayStation 3 side, there's a fair few more updates and as I have a bunch of new Macbooks to write about I'm going to be lazy here and simply copy the PlayStation blog verbatim to list them.

Support for the PS3 Official Bluetooth Headset - we've told you about the upcoming Bluetooth Headset and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation Bundle on the Blog. This latest firmware installment enables High-Quality (HQ) mode, which delivers clear and wide-band online voice chat. On top of that, an added on-screen indicator shows battery status, volume level and use of HQ mode.

PlayStation Trophies interface enhancements - I know that many of you are busy collecting trophies and raising your PlayStation Trophy level. This update makes sharing and comparing your trophies with your friends even easier. On 1st part of the profile page you?ll see a symbol under level that represents level and the actual percentage towards the next level along with the existing level meter. 

The level symbol carries over to the trophy comparison screen where you will now be able to see your level, your friend?s level and the percentage towards the next level for both users along with all of the game by game comparison information you see today.
Friend status - Offline friends on your Friends list will have information below their avatars that will indicate how long it has been since they were last online.

Video - This update adds the Scene Search feature similar to the feature on the PSP. Activating this feature while viewing a video on the PS3 will break the video up into scenes that you can quickly access by pressing the X button. You can break the videos into one, two or five minute intervals. In addition, you can now choose to have all of the videos under the video section of the XMB play in sequence. Go to Settings then Video Settings to turn this option on.

PlayStation Store - We've added a redeem codes option right on the store to make it easier to redeem your PlayStation Network Cards and promotion codes. In addition, PlayStation Network Sign Up and Account Management have been redesigned.

Power Save Settings - You can now set your PS3 and wireless controllers to turn off automatically after set periods of inactivity. Go to Settings then Power Save Settings to turn on these features.

Background Downloading - You now have the option to set the PS3 to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has completed. This option is available when you turn off the system from the button under
[Users] while content is being downloaded or installed.

In-game Screenshots - this tool will allow everyone to capture, share and in other words, immortalize their favorite gameplay moments. This will be supported on a game by game basis. Please check back to find out which games will support this feature.

Nothing particularly thrilling, but a few additions that I've been after for a while, especially background downloads and installs will be most welcome. I think it's safe to say I'm more anxious to see my Xbox updated than my PS3 in the current batch of patches, though.

Info: Trusted Reviews

DAZ 3D Launches New Version of Free 3D Posing and Animation Software, DAZ Studio 2.1

DAZ 3D Launches New Version of Free 3D Posing and Animation Software, DAZ Studio 2.1

DAZ 3D Continues Tradition of Providing High-quality Tools for Professionals and Hobbyists Alike by Offering New Features Such as Drag and Drop, Levels of Detail, Sub Division, QuickStart and More

It’s downloadable. It’s professional quality. It’s easy to use. Best of all, it’s free. The latest release of DAZ Studio hits the market today, providing the industry with a simplified, enhanced version of this premier feature-rich 3D art and animation package.

From DAZ 3D, a leading developer of professional quality 3D software and models, DAZ Studio 2.1 offers the easiest way to quickly create high-quality digital images and characters for use in games and virtual worlds, multimedia and illustration applications. DAZ Studio 2.1 offers extensive pre-configured 3D scenes, poseable characters and accessories to help users get started.

DAZ Studio 2.1 is an ideal solution for professional 3D artists and hobbyists alike. Professional designers and illustrators can render compelling scenery, while gamers may effortlessly modify their own 3D avatars and characters exportable via the COLLADA file format. Families may additionally create scrapbooks and photography with integrated 3D imagery. With DAZ Studio 2.1, users work with virtual objects to create images of any genre, ranging from medieval to contemporary, proving that artists of all backgrounds can experience the power of 3D.

“DAZ Studio 2.1 is a real milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide high-quality, yet cost-effective, software and content that easily allows any level of artist to create breathtaking art,” said Dan Farr, president of DAZ 3D. “In addition to professional enhancements such as the Sub Division and Drag and Drop features, DAZ Studio 2.1 also offers a simplified QuickStart tutorial feature for 3D novices. Not only do these features help us push the bar to meet the expanding needs of our customers, but we are also introducing the world of 3D to new audiences, from first time artists to transitioning 2D professionals.”

DAZ Studio 2.1 boasts many robust features, including a full-color OpenGL Preview, integration with the powerful 3Delight® Render Engine (compliant with Pixar’s RenderMan®) and Fast-Time™ Rendering via the user’s graphic card hardware. Additional features include:
Drag & Drop: Automatically fits clothing or hair to 3D figures, eliminating the need for manual fitting. This feature also allows content to be added to a specific area within any scene, rather than just the default location.
QuickStart: With a step-by-step user interface, pre-loaded DAZ 3D models, scenes and morphs, and access to an extensive online library of high-quality 3D content, QuickStart users gain the fastest and easiest introduction to the world of 3D.
Levels of Detail (LOD): Allows the user to control the amount of polygonal mesh detail, while retaining universal compatibility of morphs, textures and other accessories. This feature is ideal for importing content into gaming software and virtual worlds.
Sub Division Geometry (Sub D): Users can take advantage of content created using Sub D to allow more efficient meshes while preserving high-resolution in 3D avatars and figures.
Multiple UV: Provides easy application of maps optimized for different characters or circumstances, allowing versatility, flexibility and connectivity. Multiple UV also allows creation of avatars that will work in all virtual world applications.
Content Manager: With an intuitive and powerful database system, users can customize the categorization of their 3D content as they wish without altering files on their hard drives.
Enhanced UI for Maximum Workspace: The ability to have interface panels and tabs docked however the user chooses, and be collapsed automatically when not in use allows users to maximize their workspace and not feel cluttered by window upon window of features and control points.

“With these new features, DAZ Studio 2.1 has moved a step beyond Poser and other mainstream, more expensive 3D applications,” said M. Milam (“Rosetta”), a DAZ 3D published artist. “DAZ Studio 2.1 is great and easy to use. It’s just the program I have been looking for.”

Pricing and Availability
DAZ Studio 2.1 is free of charge and available on Windows 98 SE or higher and Mac OSX 10.3 or higher. Each version comes with pre-configured 3D content that is ready to be loaded and rendered into fantastic art at the push of a button. To obtain a copy of DAZ Studio 2.1, register for a free account at www.daz3d.com, and then visit www.daz3d.com/studio.

About DAZ 3D
Founded in 2000, DAZ 3D, a privately-held company located in Draper, Utah, is a market leader in 3D software and digital content creation. The company's library of characters and accessories is renowned for its high-quality, versatile and compatible 3D content. DAZ 3D also hosts the popular Artzone.com, a social marketplace for sharing art and exchanging ideas. DAZ 3D is a division of DAZ Productions Inc. For more information, please visit www.daz3d.com.

Xbox 360 Becomes First Video Game Console Ever to Invite the World to Create Original Games and Share Online With Millions

In a landmark announcement during the keynote address at the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC), Microsoft Corp. promised to soon allow Xbox LIVE members to play, rate and share community-created games. As the first in the industry to pioneer high-speed online gaming and high-definition games, Xbox 360 once again broke new ground by introducing a new, open distribution service for games created by the community and soon playable by its 10 million Xbox LIVE members. Community-created games on Xbox LIVE will quickly double the size of the Xbox 360 game library. By the end of 2008, Xbox 360 owners will have access to more than 1,000 games, making it the largest, most creatively diverse library across all next-generation platforms.

“The time has come for the games industry to open its doors to all game creators, enabling anyone to share their creations with the world,” said John Schappert, corporate vice president of LIVE, Software and Services for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Our goal is to drive a creative and social revolution in games with the same transformative power that we’ve seen in digital music and video sharing.”

Inviting Everyone to Share Their Own Games With Millions

Demonstrating a look into the future potential of community-created games on Xbox 360, Chris Satchell, general manager and chief XNA architect at Microsoft, announced that seven games created using XNA Game Studio 2.0 would be available immediately for Xbox 360 owners to download from Xbox LIVE Marketplace:


JellyCar Created by Walaber from the United States, this game is about driving a squishy car through squishy worlds, trying to reach the exit.

 Little Gamers This is a 2-D high definition action side-scroller based on the famous Web comic “Little Gamers” created by Loïc Dansart, a 24-year-old software developer from Belgium.

The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai An intense 2-D action platform game created by James Silva from the United States, “The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai” has a unique, highly stylized look and fast and fluid action.

TriLinea This puzzle game created by Edison S. Prata Jr., Renato Pelizzari da Silva and Davi da Silva Prata from Brazil mixes fast-paced action with strategy.

RocketBall Created by Tyler Wanlass, Patrick Murty and Todd Barrons of the United States, this neighborhood game of dodgeball explodes onto the street with fast-paced multiplayer action.

ProximityHD This game, created by Brian Cable from the United States, takes the essence of strategy games — battles for control of territory and armies — and distills it down to a simple, easy-to-understand set of rules for casual players.

Culture Created by independent game development company Hidden Path Entertainment from the United States, “Culture” contains challenging games and puzzles based on beautiful flowers.

An Xbox 360 community game created using Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio software and XNA Creators Club membership will be able to be submitted for distribution on Xbox LIVE. Each community-created game must then undergo a thorough peer-review process and be evaluated for accuracy in representation and appropriateness. Community game developers will be able to beta test the process this spring and will be able to distribute their games on Xbox LIVE by the end of this year.