It seems the success Apple has achieved with gaming on the iPhone might spill over from pockets to living rooms. The makers of the iPhone have filed a set patents for a Wii-style wireless controller that looks to be made for the Apple TV and could be used for a number of applications.

The patent filing, including the image above, clearly shows an icon for Safari, as well as images that appear to be an iPhoto-like app.

The filing, which describes a “remote wand for controlling the operations of a media system,” specifically uses the Apple TV as a reference. Could this mean games on the device?

The Apple TV is a fairly powerful product for what little it currently does. Don’t get me wrong, I love the device. I have one and use it almost every day. It’s the easiest way to get my movie fix on in my living room, and the Flickr and YouTube functionality is amazing, as well as fun at parties.

Right now, though, that’s about all it’s good for. Apple has put together a pretty good method for distributing games (and other apps) via the iTunes App Store. And because the basic operating system on the Apple TV is very similar to the iPhone’s, it wouldn’t be too big of a jump to develop for it.

I’m excited about the prospect. Imagine playing a game like Light Bike on a 720p TV with surround sound. And if Apple TV app development is anything like the iPhone’s, you could see an avalanche of good, inexpensive games.

It wouldn’t aim to compete with the Xbox 360 or the PS3, but the guys at Nintendo might want to keep an eye on what Apple ends up doing with this patent filing, if anything.

After a very disappointing holiday quarter in 2008, in which the company lost 641 million USD, Electronic Arts’ chief operating officer, John Pleasants, made some interesting statements at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet conference a few days ago: “The biggest thing was that we didn’t make hits.”

As a result of the weak economy and missing hits, EA is currently cutting down costs by reducing its work force by about 11 percent and closing 12 facilities. The question now is: did they learn from their previous mistakes, though? As mentioned, EA is planning to cut jobs in all areas, with the exception of marketing. Pleasants actually said that they are going to increase, not decrease, the money spend on marketing.

“The game-development process has evolved, so the marketing should as well,” he said. “It’s less about ‘We have an idea, we go away for 24 months and spend USD 30 million working on a game, then put a little buzz out there and hope it works.’ We need to have a dialogue with the audience, take a longer lead time and make sure we have the right mix of digital and traditional.”

Besides that, EA plans to lower the number of titles they are going to release per year by about 20 percent. “You can lose your way on basic execution when you have too many games,” Pleasants said.

Two hundred freaking USD dollars ? Thanks, but no thanks.

The Logitech G19 LCD Gaming Keyboard has gone up for pre-order on Amazon, promising macros, switchable key backlighting and a 320 x 240 mini-display.

A panel of twelve programmable macro keys – each storing three macros – runs down the left-hand side, and there’s a real-time macro recording button to quickly add keypresses.

As for the LCD, that can be used for game stats, system information, VoIP caller-ID, video playback or image slideshows, all without exiting your game.  Multi-key input recognizes up to five presses at any one time, and there’s an integrated two port USB 2.0 hub.

Perhaps the most mundane, but useful feature is the game/desktop switch, which toggles off the Windows and context menu keys so that you don’t accidentally hit them during gameplay.  The Logitech G19 LCD Gaming Keyboard is available to preorder at Amazon now.

Again, it’s priced at $199.99 and will begin shipping later in the Spring.

Thrustmaster, the innovative PC and console accessory brand, unveils their new flagship gaming product, the HOTAS WARTHOG™, a full replica of the joystick, dual throttle system and dual throttle control panel of the U.S. Air Force A-10C attack aircraft. Weighing in at more than 14 lbs, the joystick, throttle handles and bases are constructed of mostly metal. With 55 fully programmable action buttons and 2 four-direction hat switches, each with a built-in push button (the first joystick in the world to incorporate such a feature), the HOTAS WARTHOG™ is in a class of its own. It will be available at the end of October for $499.99 SRP.

The HOTAS WARTHOG™ joystick is the result of an intense collaboration between Thrustmaster’s development teams and members of the flight sim community. Exchanges between the two sides and studies were carried out constantly throughout the product’s development phase in order to create a joystick which meets the most exact and specific requirements of these expert users.

The three key parts in the HOTAS WARTHOG™ that make up an effective, complete set include:

The Joystick
Action Buttons – The joystick features 19 action buttons, along with a “Point Of View” hat

* Extreme precision – Employs the H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™* magnetic sensor system: 16-bit precision (65536 x 65536 values), with no gimbals (cardan joints)

* Actual Airplane Button Resistance – Pressing on the joystick’s buttons and triggers requires pressure identical to that required in an actual airplane – a true first in the world of joysticks

* Detachable Joystick – For complete freedom of use for flight simmers, the joystick handle is detachable and can also be used on the base of the HOTAS Cougar™

* Detachable Base – allows users to install the joystick in a cockpit

The Throttles
Dual Throttle System – Allows for independent control of 2 motors: a locking system lets the user either attach the 2 throttles together, or keep them independent of one another

* Magnetic Sensor Technology – The magnetic sensor technology used for the throttles (14-bit resolution, with 16384 values on each throttle) provides unrivaled precision

* Pull and Push System – Switching to the idle and afterburner detents is carried out via a Pull and Push* system, for even greater realism

* Afterburner Detent – Can be disengaged, allowing users to perfectly adapt the throttle control to the type of airplane they are piloting

* Multiple Function Throttles – Feature a total of 17 action buttons, a “Point Of View” hat and a “mouse hat / slew control”

The Control Panel
Multiple Controls – The control panel provides an extensive number and variety of controls

* Friction Wheel – Allows users to manually adjust the resistance of the throttles according to their own preference

* Backlit Functions – Users will appreciate the 5 programmable LEDs and backlighting during low-light conditions or dark night flights

* Trim Wheel – The base includes a “trim wheel” and 15 action buttons, including numerous push buttons with resistance identical to that on a real airplane and industrial metal switches (2 or 3 positions) with highly realistic pressure.

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Razer announced the launch of a new suite of Razer Naga Special Edition gaming mice – the Razer Naga Maelstrom Special Edition and the Razer Naga Molten Special Edition.

“After the phenomenal response we received for the Razer Naga, we’ve decided to create two collectible versions to offer our fans even more ways to dominate their game,” said Robert “Razer Guy” Krakoff, president, Razer USA. “We took the same functionality of full button remapping and macro capabilities of the original Razer Naga and rejuvenated the aesthetic design for a more immersive MMO gaming experience.”

Upon its release, the original Razer Naga generated overwhelmingly positive reviews at Amazon.com and NewEgg.com like, “Finally, the mouse I’ve been waiting for! 5/5” and “If you play WoW, get this mouse. 5/5.” With almost all the users of the Razer Naga (based on online end user feedback at major online retailers) providing a positive review, the Razer Naga is the defining product that created the category of MMO gaming peripherals.

Razer is going one step further with the announcement of the Maelstrom Special Edition, inviting MMO gamers to submerge into the heart of the vortex. Featuring the same 17 MMO-optimized buttons with unprecedented macro functionality, this mouse has a whirlpool of entrancing blue light emanating from its swirling core.

In addition to the Maelstrom version, Razer also introduces the Molten Special Edition which glows a wicked and fiery red hue. Along with the lava-red fissures cutting a jagged path across the mouse, the MMO-optimized buttons glow a blazing crimson color. No matter what version you choose, with a Razer Naga SE you will Get Imba!

Razer Naga Maelstrom Special Edition
Price: US $79.99 / €79.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – November 2010
Worldwide – November 2010

Product Features:

* Glowing vortex design and blue backlighting
* 17 Fully-programmable MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb grid)
* 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
* 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
* Zero-acoustic Ultraslick feet
* Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
* Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
* Approximate size: 116L x 69W x 41.6H (in mm)

Razer Naga Molten Special Edition
Price: US $79.99 / €79.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – November 2010
Worldwide – November 2010

Product Features:

* Glowing cracked surface design and blazing red backlighting
* 17 Fully-programmable MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb grid)
* 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
* 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
* Zero-acoustic Ultraslick feet
* Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
* Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
* Approximate size: 116L x 69W x 41.6H (in mm)

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Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, the number one worldwide brand of LCD display products, today announced the launch of a new line of 31 series LED-backlit monitors. This new line-up is an ideal option for budget-conscious users looking for the energy-saving benefits of an LED monitor in a stylish and affordable package.

“The 31 series LED monitors fit the needs of consumers looking to upgrade to an LED monitor on a budget, especially this holiday season,” said Young Bae, director of display marketing, Samsung Enterprise Business Division. “This line of monitors, designed with students and small and home office users in mind, stays true to Samsung’s legacy of sleek design and superior LED performance.”

Eco-conscious design
Users of the 31 series monitors save money on their electricity bills and save landfills from hazardous waste. The displays each consume up to 40 percent less energy than same-sized CCFL backlit monitors and contain no mercury or halogens making them easier to recycle. As a result, the 31 series monitors have earned the prestigious Energy Star 5.0 rating.

The 31 series monitors are built to fit almost any office or home aesthetic, with availability in four sizes – the 20 inch, BX2031, 21.5 inch BX2231, 23 inch BX2331 and 24 inch BX2431.

Unmatched image quality
The 31 series monitors offer bold colors and crisp picture quality with Samsung’s signature LED backlighting technology and limit any ghosting effects with a rapid response time. The monitors also contain Samsung’s “Magic Angle” technology, ensuring that whatever angle the image is viewed from, there are settings that will allow the user to experience full contrast and color depth.

Entertainment connectivity
Not only are 31 series monitors an attractive addition to a dorm room, home or office, they also allow the user to connect to a Blu-ray player and an HD gaming system simultaneously with 2 HDMI ports. The multiple ports help students and professionals easily transition between work and fun.

31 Series Key Specs

* Ultra-slim 19mm design
* Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution (1600×900 in BX2031)
* 2ms Response Time (5ms in BX2031)
* Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio (5,000,000:1)
* 2 HDMI inputs (BX2031 includes VGA and DVI-D; no HDMI)

The 31 Series will be available in October 2010, priced at $169 (BX2031), $199 (BX2231), $239 (BX2331) and $279 (BX2431). It will be available through Amazon, TigerDirect, Buy.com, Staples, Office Depot, Fry’s and Micro Center.

ECS launched the A890GXM-A2, their second revision of the AMD 890GX based Black Series motherboard.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) introduces AMD 890GX based motherboard – ECS Black Series A890GXM-A2 supports the latest six-core CPU to bring users an impressive visual experience with its tough features.

Totally Release Your Energy

By “One-step Unlocking” function in “ECS M.I.B. III” overclocking interface, users are able to unlock the hidden cores of CPU easily, and it reaches over 238% CPU performance boosted than default setting by unlocking cores with overclocking; moreover, it is also easy to reach 146% gaming performance boosted by overclocking GPU – ATI Radeon™ HD 4290 graphics processor’s core clock and SidePort memory speed; ECS A890GXM-A2 fully supports the latest AMD Turbo Core technology which is essential for power-desired users to get extra performance automatically.

ECS A890GXM-A2 is also the first motherboard provides a real PCI-E Gen.2 bandwidth SuperSpeed USB 3.0 controller enhanced by a world-leading IC manufacture in Taiwan, with this perfect solution, ECS A890GXM-A2 features attractive price in the performance segment.

Solid Products are made of Solid Features

* “ECS Anti-crash Connector Covers” protect the rear I/O like video outputs perfectly against powder, dust even and static electricity;
* Bundled “Norton Internet Security 2011” to protect system against virus and spyware;
* “ECS 15 ì Gold Contact” offers 3 times extra protection to secure the motherboard stability and durability;
* ECS 4most™ Display Design” contains HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI and D-Sub connectors on the rear panel at once;
* “ECS eBLU and ECS eDLU” applications provide the most convenient way to update BIOS and Drivers;
* “ECS eGS and ECS eSF” applications decrease power consumption and increase cooling efficiency;
* “ECS eOC” overclocking utility offers an easy and safe way to overclocking under operation system;
* “ECS eJIFFY” utility speeds up boot time and allows users to surf the internet without virus attack;
* “ECS Qooltech™ III” comes with twin-heatpipe design to enhance cooling efficiency for PWM;
* “ECS Easy Button and Easy Clear” offer an easy way to enjoy boosting system performance without hassle;
* “All solid capacitors and lower RDS(on) MOSFET” improve durability and increase up to 50% efficiency and decrease the temperatures by 16%;
* “eSATA 6.0Gbps solution” provides 2 times faster speed in accessing external storage than eSATA;

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ZOTAC just announced the world’s first Quadruple-display capable ZOTAC GeForce GTX 460 graphics card. The new ZOTAC GeForce GTX 460 3DP enables multi-monitor computing with up to four simultaneous displays from a single graphics card for enhanced productivity, gaming and multimedia.

The card is capable of driving up to four independent displays simultaneously with a combined resolution up to 6400×1200.Three DisplayPort connectors enable the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 460 3DP to support resolutions up to 4800×1200 across three independent displays for true spanned triple-monitor computing. A dual-link DVI output enables connectivity to extreme high-definition displays with the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 460 3DP for connectivity to a single monitor at resolutions up to 2560×1600 for users without DisplayPort capable displays.

* ZOTAC GeForce GTX 460 3DP
* Engine clock: 710 MHz
* 336 Unified Shaders
* Shader clock: 1420 MHz
* 1GB GDDR5 memory
* 256-bit memory interface
* Memory clock: 3600 MHz
* Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands game bundle
* Dual-link DVI & 3 DisplayPort outputs
* PCI Express 2.0 interface (Compatible with 1.1)
* Microsoft DirectX 11 with Shader Model 5.0 and DirectCompute support
* OpenGL 4.0 compatible
* NVIDIA CUDA & PhysX ready
* NVIDIA SLI ready (2-way)
* NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology
* ZOTAC Boost Premium software bundle included

Though 2D might be fine, but 3D rendering at such resolutions with just the one card is a serious no-go performance wise … let’s just hope that at least SLI is properly supported with these custom resolutions. Also bare in mind that the GTX 460 can go maximum 2-way SLI.

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It is known that more and more monitors may step into the 3D world these days. Today, it’s time for BenQ to release their upcoming monitor suited for 3D and gaming experience, called 3D-Affine XL2410T.

It has a display of 23.6-inches and an ideal refresh rate of 120 Hz, while it’s limited at 60 Hz on 3D mode. As every respectable gaming monitor, so does this model operates at 2ms response time. It also supports full high definition resolution of 1920×1080, a dynamic contrast ratio of 10.000.000:1 and 300 cd/m² for brightness. As for output connectivity, the monitor offers you three most common display ports, such as DVI, HDMI and D-Sub.

It is expected to hit the European market during October, while it is already available for pre-order, tagged at €350.

AMD uploaded a new humorous marketing video to warn gamers against using Fermi-based graphics cards. The video makes fun of the high power consumption and heat generated by NVIDIA’s high-end GeForce GTX 400 series graphics cards.

A humorous look at the risks of using anything but an ATI Radeon graphics card for gaming. A short film presented by AMD.

Click here to view the embedded video.