Apple v Microsoft as the British Technology Awards Unveils Shortlist

Sony and Nintendo dominate "best of rest"; nods to BBC for its hugely popular iPlayer

The shortlist for the inaugural British Technology Awards has been unveiled, confirming the British public’s love for all things Apple.

In total, the firm has bagged 11 nominations across the event’s 13 award categories – though Microsoft is close behind with nine.

VOTE HERE NOW...

The iPhone, iPod Touch, iTunes and Macbook Air all feature heavily, whilst Microsoft technologies such as Xbox 360, Windows Live, Windows Vista and Windows Media Player 11 also vie for attention.

The British Technology Awards will also pit three of the Internet’s heavyweights against each other, as the public decides which is more popular: Facebook, YouTube or the BBC iPlayer.

Following weeks of intensive open nominations, organiser Incisive Media – publisher of ComputerActive, Personal Computer World and Gizmodo – now bracing itself for thousands of votes, as Britain’s gadget fans declare their loyalties.

Thanks to the unique way the awards are structured, the British Technology Awards will see some interesting battles. iTunes is up against Audacity and Guitar Hero in the Music Technology category. The BBC iPlayer takes on the Sony PlayStation 3 and Sky in the Home Entertainment Technology category. And who can predict the winner of Most Indispensable Technology, when the nominations include Google Maps, the Appile iPod, Virgin Media, Sky and Facebook?

Paul Allen, editor of ComputerActive comments: “The British Technology Awards have been designed to be the most mainstream awards of their kind. This isn’t the place for a ‘Best Flastcreen TV’ category – we want to know what the man, woman, young, old on the street thinks. These awards aren’t the preserve of audiovisual nerds – they’re real people who use and enjoy technology on a day to day basis, and we can’t wait to find out how they vote.”

No other technology accolades have the scope and scale of the British Technology Awards. Consumers are the primary focus, with all categories voted for exclusively by the public.

13 awards will be won, across diverse categories as Best Kids Technology, Most Indispensable Technology and Technological Innovation of the year. Rather than restrict the awards to a narrow shortlist, the BTAs should see some interesting battles, as technologies from different sectors compete for the ultimate goal.

Voting on the shortlist is taking place now. The winners will be announced in October 2008.

The shortlist in full:

Gadget of the Year
Apple iPhone
Apple iPod Touch
TomTom Go 720
Nokia N95
Blackberry Curve
Fujifilm F100fd
Archos 605
Slingbox


Music Technology
Apple iTunes
Windows Media Player 11
Audacity
Play.com
Guitar Hero
Ion USB turntable
Creative X-Fi
Napster


Business Technology of the Year
Asus Eee PC
3 3G USB Modem
RIM Blackberry Curve
Panasonic Toughbook
Vodafone USB 3G modem
Intel low-power Xeon quad-core processor
HP Compaq ultra-slim dc7800 PC
Microsoft Windows Server 2008


Best Home Entertainment Technology
BBC iPlayer
Nintendo Wii
Freeview
Sky
Panasonic Viera HDTV series
Sony Bravia HD LCD TVs
Sony PS3
Microsoft Xbox 360


Best Kids Technology
Nintendo DS
Windows Vista parental controls
Advent Kids laptop
Scalextric Digital
Hornby DCC trainsets
Lego Mindstorms NXT
Fisher Price Kid Tough digital camera
Bebo


Most Stylish Technology
Apple iPhone
Apple Macbook Air
Sony Vaio TZ
Acer Ferrari ultraportable laptop
Canon SX100 IS camera
LG Viewty
Dell XPS One
Samsung LE series LCD TVs


Best Gaming Technology
Nintendo Wii
Nintendo Wii Fit
Sony PS3
Microsoft Xbox 360
Microsoft Flight Simulator X
Nintendo DS
Guitar Hero
Sony PSP


Best Mobile Technology
Apple iPhone
Nintendo DS
RIM Blackberry Curve
Nokia N810
Asus Eee PC
Sony PSP
Google Mobile
Samsung Q1 Ultra


Most Indispensable Technology
Google Maps
BT Broadband
Apple iPod
BBC iPlayer
Sky
Apple iPhone
Virgin Media
Facebook


Technological Innovation of the Year
Apple iPhone
Windows Vista
Intel Core 2 Quad processors
Apple Macbook Air
Asus Eee PC
Adobe Photoshop Express
Belkin Wireless USB Hub
Google Docs / Apps


Best Online Technology
BBC iPlayer
Skype
You Tube
Facebook
Google Docs
Windows Live
BT Digital Vault
Pinnacle PCTV to go


Retailer of the Year
Amazon
Play.com
John Lewis
Ebuyer
Tesco Direct
PC World
Maplins
Argos


Greenest Technology of the Year
Bye Bye standby
Toyota Prius
Windows Vista
Lexus LS600H
Fujitsu Siemens Scenicview P22W-5 ECO
G-Wizz
Oneclick Intellipanel
Apple OS X

In-Game Advertising to Rising Eagle, a Free-To-Play First-Person Shooter

Rising Eagle - Futuristic Infantry Warfare, a new and free-to-play first-person shooter. The debut title from Israeli developer Invasion Interactive, Rising Eagle is a team-based tactical combat game designed for online competitive and cooperative play, featuring realistic urban cityscapes as well as a range of exciting game modes and weaponry. The PC game can be downloaded at www.rising-eagle.com.

The Rising Eagle announcement builds off the momentum of other ad-sponsored launches -- original titles such as Trackmania and the highly-anticipated Quake Live both leverage the benefits of IGA’s in-game advertising, creating value for the entire gaming community.

The partnership with IGA benefits advertisers, publishers, developers, and players. Advertisers access a coveted, highly engaged demographic; publishers harness advertising revenue to offset rising development costs; developers continue to create compelling story lines and advanced game play features; and consumers are able to enjoy revolutionary titles such as Rising Eagle free-of-charge.



On behalf of premium advertisers, IGA places relevant, contextual advertisements within the game’s dynamic urban environment. Seeing familiar well-known brands on billboards and shop fronts further enhances the all-encompassing sense of realism for the gamer.

Ed Bartlett, VP Publisher Relations – Europe of IGA Worldwide says: “The release of a top tier title like Rising Eagle: Futuristic Infantry Warfare for free demonstrates IGA’s continued drive to offset the rapidly rising cost of developing premium games. As in-game ad budgets steadily increase the “freemium” model which IGA pioneered will further illustrate the company’s commitment to bringing games to market in a manner that benefits consumers, developers, publishers and advertisers.



Yaron Dotan, CEO of Invasion Interactive says: “The ability to freely distribute a high quality shooter such as Rising Eagle, while maintaining a solid revenue stream from in-game advertising, is a revolutionary capability made possible by IGA Worldwide. Having the ad-serving technology easily accessed through a single point of contact enables us to focus our efforts on delivering quality game-play experiences.”

Cabal Online - Perfect World II - Free to play MMORPG video games

Cabal Online have announced a new multiple language contract for "Perfect World II" with Perfect World Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: PWRD), a top online games developer and operator in China.

The exclusive agreement will see Games-Masters.com publish multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, Turkish and French of the widely acclaimed online role playing game "Perfect World II" in 2008.

Since "Perfect World II's" release in 2006, the free-to-play online game has taken the Asian market by storm, winning a host of awards and topping gaming charts around the region and attracts millions of players worldwide.

"Perfect World II" is a vast online role-playing game set in a fantasy world with many extra features such as character customization to an unprecedented in game level with self built characters. In addition the fighting experience is taken to literally a new level with extensive fighting whilst in flight to offer the gamer a truly unique 3D experience.

The excitement is further enhanced by Guild territory ownership and the ability for guilds to build structures on their territory. The world has its battles and quests in land, sea and air in a huge, open and continuous world with different areas is real time simulations with a natural day-and-night-cycle, changing weather (sun, rain, thunder, snow, clouds ...).

Millions of players experience an immersive and huge open world, with an unbelievable number of varied quests, varied terrains and highly challenging dungeons, bosses and a complex game-economy. There is a massive crafting system, with pets and tame animals to ride if you are good enough!

The integrated chat system, the in and out Game Messenger and the individual mailing system also brings a new standard of communication in the world of Massive Multiplayer Online Role- Playing Games (MMORPG).

In a rare and welcome move, "Perfect World II" will be hosted and localized into multiple languages. Ian Powell, Chairman of Games-masters.com Ltd, said "The ""Perfect World II" Multi-language service, free-to-play game, will present MMORPG players across Europe with a new level in gaming. We fully expect the game to become one of the most popular games in Europe, reaffirming Games-Masters.com's ambition to be the leading provider of international MMO games in Europe."

"Perfect World II" MS (Multilanguage Service) is set for release in 2nd half year 2008, starting with a localized German and Spanish version in addition to English. This will be followed by releases in other languages in early 2009, as well, to provide one of the most comprehensive localizations ever seen in the games market. For more information and BETA pre-registration visit the official website at http://www.perfectworld.ms or http://www.perfectworldeurope.com

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Birth of America II - Wars in America out soon on PC

Birth of America II: Wars in America 1750-1815 is the sequel to the successful strategy PC game Birth of America. Due for release in September 2008 by Ascaron and AGEOD, the new battle strategy game allows players to experience historic wars in North America between the years of 1750 and 1815.

Turn based strategic gameplay requires players to decide tactical moves in order to win each campaign, destroying their opponent’s armies and conquering and defending certain cities. Birth of America II: Wars in America 1750-1815 is based on true historical events and uses authentic characters and units to allow players to experience important historical American events.

Birth of America II: Wars in America 1750-1815 features new scenarios that include; Dunmore’s War (1773-1774), the Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794) and the Battle of New Orleans (1815), all offering the player the opportunity to experience genuine historic battles. Improved AI and a new turn based strategy system truly enhance gameplay, whilst the Replay option allows victorious moves to be viewed again and shared with friends.


This latest version of the Birth of America series also features new orders such as; “spike the guns”, “surrender with the Honour of War”, “remove a leader” and “unload ships from a distance”. There are also different updates and rules including combat, Indians, minutemen, blockades, naval transport and German mercenaries.



Extensive maps that cover America and Europe create a highly realistic and authentic battle strategy experience, whilst in-game music is recreated with historical accuracy. Players can truly immerse themselves in the experience of commanding infamous historic American battles.

Fast facts:

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: AGEOD
Release date: 19th September 2008
PEGI: 3+
Format: PC
Genre: Historical Strategy

Ace Combat 6 - Fires of Liberation new content to download

Xbox Live Market Place Downloadable Content. Available 24 July 2008 Special Aircrafts Colors

CFA-44 –ACES - (200 Microsoft Points)
A fighter with a streamlined payload and excellent maneuverability. After all, a remarkable sense of control is the sign of a true ace!

Rafale M –ESPADA - (Free)
A heavy command cruiser escort, this fighter's improved turning ability places it at the pinnacle of air combat. Despite a decrease in speed performance, Its light and quick movement ensure its dominance over the enemy. The Sapin Air Force 9th Air and Land Division 11th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Espada. This squadron has fought in countless battles as they evolved from a group of mercenaries to members of the terrorist group "A World With No Boundaries".

ChartTrack weekly UK charts 26 July

CHARTTRACK WEEKLY CHARTS
All formats

1 WII FIT NINTENDO
2 WALL-E PLAY THQ
3 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
4 GUITAR HERO: ON TOUR REDOCTANE
5 LEGO INDIANA JONES: ORIGINAL ADVENTURES LUCASARTS
6 WII PLAY NINTENDO
7 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
8 SUPER SMASH BROS: BRAWL NINTENDO
9 DR KAWASHIMA'S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO
10 BIG BEACH SPORTS PLAY THQ
11 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK REDOCTANE
12 KUNG FU PANDA ACTIVISION
13 BATTLEFIELD: BAD COMPANY EA GAMES
14 SPORTS PARTY PLAY ZONE
15 BEIJING 2008 SEGA
16 CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES 2KPLAY
17 METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS KONAMI
18 FIFA 08 EA SPORTS
19 TOP SPIN 3 2K SPORTS
20 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION

Just Flight simulator release Mosquito expansion for download

Title: Mosquito
Label: Just Flight
Developer: Aeroplane Heaven
Genre: Flight Simulation
UK Release Download: Out Now. Boxed - 15th August 2008
SRP £14.99/€22.95/$29.99

Just Flight is very pleased to announce that its long-awaited Mosquito expansion is now released. Mosquito is fully licensed by the Royal Air Force and has been developed to the very highest standards by the vintage aircraft experts at Aeroplane Heaven as a lasting tribute to this amazing aircraft.

With the download version now available to purchase from the Just Flight website, those preferring the boxed version won’t have to wait too long, with the official release date being the 15th August 2008. Mosquito includes three classic Mosquito variants - the B. Mk IV, the FB. Mk VI and the frightening FB Mk XVIII Tsetse with its underslung flak gun. In addition, owners of Mosquito can expand it further with two keenly priced upgrade packs, available exclusively from the Just Flight website. Costing just £4.99 each, the upgrades will add a total of eight additional aircraft types in sixteen liveries to the Mosquito hangar. With all three packs installed you will have a total of 20 exciting Mosquitoes to fly!



Built from wood and powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlins, the Mosquito was a formidable aircraft with the speed of a fighter, the manoeuvrability of a racer and the payload of a bomber. Now flight simulation enthusiasts can experience the same blistering performance in this brilliant package for Flight Simulator X or 2004.

• The high-quality models are accompanied by many unique animations and superb textures covering a range of aircraft along with the distinctive sound of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engines.

• The cockpits are equipped with the latest “smooth” gauges for more realism and just about every switch, button and control lever operates with the mouse – even the crew doors open with the lever! Everything is historically and technically authentic right down to the panel bolts and brackets.

• In the bomber version, the ‘bomb room’ is equipped with a working bombsight, arming switches and bomb trigger. Even the emergency axe hangs on the fuselage wall!

• The exterior models are finely detailed with correct movement for the flaps, radiator shutters, rudder and elevator trim tabs, bomb doors and more. The landing gear is highly detailed down to brake lines and hydraulic actuators.

• Many novel effects are featured, including dropping of ordnance, smoke and firing guns.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Microsoft Flight Simulator X or 2004 – Windows Vista or XP



HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: PC with 3.0GHz (equivalent or higher) processor, 1.0Gb RAM, graphics card with 128Mb (or higher) video memory, DVD-ROM drive, 2.0Gb free hard disc space.

DC Comics and Capcom plan Resident Evil and Devil May Cry comic books

DC Comics, the largest English-language publisher of comic books in the world, and Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to join forces to create a comic book series based on Capcom’s popular gaming properties Resident Evil and Devil May Cry.

“Capcom is thrilled to be partnering with DC,” said Germaine Gioia, Senior Vice President of Licensing for Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Comics are a critical component in Capcom’s merchandising strategy for our most cherished franchises, as they target the same discerning, loyal fans that care most about these established brands. DC’s undisputed development and distribution strength within the comic industry make them an ideal partner to further expand two of our most successful and sophisticated gaming properties.”

Details on the new series, including creative team and launch month, will be announced at a later date. Both titles will be published by DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint.

“We’re ecstatic that Resident Evil is returning to WildStorm, where we have already established deep roots into the mythos of this world,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “We can’t wait to continue, and bring a freshness and excitement to the property to match the amazing things they are doing with the game.”

The Resident Evil series of video games has sold over 34 million units since the original game was released in 1996, as well as spawned a multi-million dollar trilogy of films from Sony Pictures. Resident Evil 5 will revolutionize the Resident Evil series, just as Resident Evil 4 did. To coincide with the Resident Evil comic book is the latest installment in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 5, which unveils a world where the biohazard threat has not ended: Just when it seemed the menace of Resident Evil was destroyed, a new terror appears in Resident Evil 5. Resident Evil’s returning hero, Chris Redfield, has followed the path of the evil around the globe, and after joining a new organization, heads to Africa, where the latest threat is transforming people and animals into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures. Joined by a new partner, Sheva Alomar, the duo must work together to unravel the truth behind the evil menace.

The latest in the Devil May Cry series, Devil May Cry 4 is already a bonafide hit in the console world, having shipped over 2 million units worldwide since its release in North America in February. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic: the powerful “Devil Bringer” on his right arm.

“Dante, Nero and the world of DEVIL MAY CRY is a perfect fit for the sensibilities of our studio,” Kanalz said. “We have such terrific inspiration from the anime and games and we intend on meeting the exceptionally high standard of quality that has been set for this.”

Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble! Video game on Mac & PC

Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble! for Windows and Macintosh. It heralds a new generation of interactive narrative accessible to casual gamers. It also heralds content that respects their maturity. Puberty has arrived to the casual market.

Casual gamers have had their second childhoods pampered long enough. They are tiring of primary colors, goggle-eyed cartoon characters, and 'mysteries' kids could figure out. DHSGiT roils with literary satire. Its sophisticated narrative pokes fun at a landscape of sexuality, society, superstition, and politics. It lampoons the perils perpetuated by small minds.

Previously, casual games tucked stories between a single mechanic. The mechanic was played repeatedly until the last level, and then the story ended. Their stories relied on winning to continue. Mousechief has created a world of story players explore. Talk with the characters and/or play games against them. Each confrontation advances the story, win or lose. Loses rarely cause players to repeat encounters.

Although core games do this regularly, reaching casual gamers with rich, interactive narratives is a challenge. DHSGiT combines the level structure of casual games with the open world structure core gamers enjoy. But it presents this in a context familiar to casual gamers with a boardgame metaphor similar to ClueTM and the original Arkham HorrorTM.

DHSGiT is already on track to be a sizable hit. Conversion rates are in the highest percentages for a casual game. Critical acclaim from early previews (such as in Wired Magazine) have transferred to the final version with added enthusiasm. Jay is Games says:

"...highly, highly recommend this game. ...you won't have played anything like it. It is extraordinarily entertaining, and long enough to contain a really meaty storyline. In many ways DHSGiT exemplifies much of what I love about casual gameplay and independent designers: unrestrained creativity, out-of-the-box conceptual thinking and the quirkiness that comes from freedom of expression."

Last year, Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble won the Casual Games Association's $3k prize for 'Most Innovative Game'.

DHSGiT is not a story for children and has been rated TEEN using the T.I.G.R.S. rating system.

With this game, indie challenges the mainstream. It is the game where good girls get better by being BAD!

"Well-behaved women seldom make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Xbox Live - Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 - Braid - Bionic Commando: Rearmed - Galaga Legions - Castle Crashers

"Summer of Arcade" lineup features five incredible games launching over five scorching weeks; beat the heat and play for a chance to win prizes including 100,000 Microsoft Points, an Xbox 360 Elite console and more!
Summer is in full swing, and Xbox LIVE Arcade is celebrating with the hottest lineup of games ever, starting on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT) with the highly-anticipated retro shooter “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2.” Also on Wednesday, Xbox LIVE Arcade users can earn entries into our “Summer of Arcade” Sweepstakes by logging in and playing the trial or full version of the featured Summer Arcade game of the week for a chance to win amazing prizes.

The full “Summer of Arcade” lineup is:
July 30: “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” – The latest version of the wildly popular retro shooter offers screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available at 800 Microsoft Points.

August 6: “Braid” – From acclaimed developer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a mind-bending and artistic puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. “Braid”is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB.

August 13: “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” – The classic 8-bit side-scroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that put 2D gaming back on the map! “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” is rated M for Mature by the ESRB
August 20: “Galaga Legions” – The legend lives on with “Galaga Legions,” a reimagining of the classic arcade shooter. Featuring table-turning game dynamics and updated graphics, the game was created by the team behind the bestselling “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” from Namco Bandai Games. “Galaga Legions” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

August 27: “Castle Crashers” – Award-winning studio The Behemoth brings red hot arcade adventure to Xbox LIVE Arcade with “Castle Crashers,” featuring hand-drawn characters and an array of weapons to choose from as you defend your kingdom and save the princess. “Castle Crashers” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Play the trial or full version of the featured blockbuster Summer of Arcade game of the week and receive one entry into both the weekly prize drawing and Grand Prize drawings:

Grand Prize (x1) – 100,000 Microsoft Points, 12 month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription and an Xbox 360 Elite console
Runner-Up Prizes (x2) – 10,000 Microsoft points and a free 12 Month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription
Weekly Prizes (x5) – 4000 Microsoft points

All games will be available worldwide, with the exception of “Bionic Commando Rearmed,” which will be available worldwide except Korea.

The “Summer of Arcade” sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the 50 United States or District of Columbia 17+. No purchase necessary. Skill testing question required for Canadian residents. Game ends September 2, 2008. For details including free, alternate method of entry, see Official Rules at www.xbox.com/summerofarcade.