Microsoft Xbox 720, Sony PS4 dead on arrival? Gaming console of future already with you

Demand for fresh, entertaining games on mobile devices or online to change gaming scene.
The booming popularity of play on smartphones or tablet computers in a realm once dominated by videogame consoles was a hot theme at the major Game Developers Conference that ended here Friday.

Seminars, talks and panels ran the gamut from how to get smartphone games noticed in the growing sea of "apps" to behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of blockbusters tailored for consoles or personal computers.

"You are seeing this massive cornucopia of games now," Tech Savvy videogame analyst Scott Steinberg said on the final day of the weeklong GDC.

"There is an explosion in the type and variety of games and a tremendous number of ways to play."

The power of small studios and independent developers has risen along with demand for fresh and entertaining games to play on mobile devices or online as services in the Internet "cloud."

Meanwhile, new-generation consoles from Microsoft and Sony are expected to be released this year, reviving interest in immersive blockbuster titles while ramping up connections to content streamed online.

Industry tracker ABI Research said that successful launches of new Xbox and PlayStation models later this year could get console sales growing again after years of decline.

"Mobile gaming has certainly diminished the opportunities for console manufacturers in the casual game market and this has impacted Nintendo the hardest," said ABI analyst Sam Rosen.

"The evolving business models and added competition have also created additional pricing pressures that encourage price cuts sooner than manufacturers would like."

ABI said that Nintendo's freshly-released Wii U console has faced a "challenging market" since the Japanese firm shipped nearly three million units during the holiday season at the end of last year.

Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, along with established videogame titans, wooed developers at GDC while independent mobile game makers shared tips on how navigate the expanding world of play.

Games remain the most popular applications downloaded to mobile devices.

Hit games are "absolutely vital" to the success of smartphones or tablets and have expanded the range of players, Windows Phone senior marketing manager Casey McGee said while at GDC to promote the software giant's mobile platform.

McGee contended that players are demanding games that can be played in small doses on the move as well as titles to enjoy at home on consoles when time provides.

"It is like books and magazines," McGee told AFP. "You want some really thoughtful, deep campaign games that are like books; you read them cover to cover and sometimes go back and read them again.

"Then, there are also magazines," he continued. "Things you love for an hour, maybe you love for a week, but they turn over more. That is where you see a lot of independent games and more casual games come into play."

Research In Motion began courting app makers long before the new BlackBerry smartphone platform launched in January, vice president of global alliances Martyn Mallick said at GDC.

"Sometimes there is a misperception that the business user doesn't want to have fun," Mallick told AFP while discussing the effort to win game developers to the BB10 platform.

"That is completely false; business users love to play games."

Games are an "absolutely critical" part of a smartphone platform, he noted.

Companies that make chips powering smartphones or tablets have been busy boosting processing and graphics capabilities with mobile games in mind.

Qualcomm and rivals Nvidia, and ARM each staked out places on the GDC show floor.

A Qualcomm chip due out this year promised to deliver ultra-high-definition video along with surround sound for games on mobile devices.

"We see a lot of opportunity in the ecosystem for gaming," said Qualcomm senior director of marketing Michelle Leyden Li.

"I know a lot of folks who became gamers when they got a smartphone; we see this trend developing," she noted. "Consoles will stay. We are making gamers out of people who were not gamers before."

Longtime videogame giants including Electronic Arts and Ubisoft have weighed into the booming world of free-to-play mobile or social network games supported by ads or sales of virtual items.

"There is a ton of games out there, on every system and device, and people are more empowered than ever to make them," Steinberg said. "The hard part is going to be finding the diamond in the rough."

NYC car crashes into people standing on sidewalk

NEW YORK — Twelve people have been injured after a driver crashed into scaffolding on a New York City sidewalk.

A Fire Department spokesman says Saturday that four of the injured are in critical condition, including a three-year-old boy.

Authorities say the driver crashed into scaffolding and the side of a bus stop Saturday in Brooklyn at about 6:50 p.m.
Police say a woman was driving the car with a male passenger. They have both been transported to Kings County Hospital with neck and back injuries.
The Fire Department spokesman says seven victims were taken to Kings County Hospital, including the four in critical condition. Five people with serious but non-life threatening injuries were transported to Brookdale University Hospital.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Kids enjoy Easter Village eggs-travaganza

TRUMBULL ­-- As they have every year for as long as they can remember, Jeanette Paraska's family headed to Easter Village Saturday afternoon.

It's a tradition," Paraska said of the event, sponsored by the Bridgeport Police Activities League, that featured photos taken with the Easter Bunny and a variety of activities, like egg decorating. "This is the third generation," she added pointing to her two grandchildren.

A half-dozen tables were set up in the large room at the Christmas Village, located on Quarry Road. One offered face painting, another a chance to do some sand art. Then there were cupcakes that children could frost, then eat.

That, Paraska said, was her 8-year-old grandson Trey's favorite. He smiled and shook his head in agreement.

"I just enjoy coming here," he said. "It's always a lot of fun."

Jeannette Paraska, a Fairfield resident in her 60s, said she remembers the Bridgeport PAL offering programs for children when she was a young girl growing up in Bridgeport.

"I grew up in Father Panik Village and we didn't have a lot of money," she said. "PAL had Christmas programs that we attended, and I was always grateful for that."

She said having events like the one Saturday is good for the community. "It's always great to have something special for the kids," she said. "It's something they'll always remember."

Also attending were Jalana and Jayne Cintron, both 6, of Bridgeport along with several of their cousins. "I like the bunnies. They go hop, hop," said Jayne, looking up from her egg-dyeing just long enough to answer.

Her sister, Jalana preferred the face painting. "I like how it looks," she said.

Their uncle, Orlando Corez, said he thought it would be fun to attend the event. "We like to find things for the children to do," he said. "Tomorrow, we'll have an Easter egg hunt for them."

Another niece, DynaLee Rivera, 14, of Stratford, was also there, but as a new member of the Bridgeport PAL cadets. Rivera said she joined the group because she was curious about what they did and how they served the community.

This was her first event as a cadet and she said she was having a great time with all the children attending.

"I also joined because I'm thinking about going into law enforcement as a detective," she said. "I thought this group could get me into the right mind set for it."

The Easter Village was started in 1983, when the PAL Christmas Village moved to Quarry Road. A fire at its previous location in Beardsley Park forced the move. Christmas Village offers a variety of similar events featuring Santa and his reindeer during the Christmas season.

"We thought we should also do something in the spring and this is it," said Mike Marella, PAL executive director.

He said the Easter-themed event pulls in about $1,200 to $1,500, with all the proceeds benefiting the PAL cadet program.

"It's important to hold these events," said Marella, a former Bridgeport police officer. "It shows the kids that police officers care and that they are involved in the community."

'In The Land Of Blood And Honey' Wasn't Stolen By Angelina Jolie, Judge Says

LOS  ANGELES — A federal judge says actress Angelina Jolie didn't steal the story for her movie "In the Land of Blood and Honey" from a Croatian author.

City News Service reports Friday's tentative ruling in Los Angeles will throw out the suit accusing Jolie of copyright infringement.

In 2011, author James Braddock sued Jolie and the film company that made the film, saying it was partly based on his book "The Soul Shattering."
U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee wrote in a tentative ruling that the plots, characters and themes in the two works were not "substantially" similar, though both centered on war romances.
Jolie wrote, directed and co-produced the film.
Braddock has been ordered to tell the court why his complaint should not be dismissed with prejudice.

Nicki Minaj to blame for Devin Velez 'Idol' crowding

Motown Week had its fair share of ups and downs for the eight remaining American Idol contestants. While the five remaining girls were praised for their powerhouse performances, it was the three guys who buckled under the pressure — and the judges criticism. And after the votes were tallied, it was clear that America agreed. Burnell Taylor, Lazaro Arbos, and Devin Valez all found themselves in the bottom three.

After all was said and done, it was 18-year-old Velez who had to sing for the judges' save. In a smart move, he chose to sing a favorite of judge Mariah Carey, "Somos Novios." The transition from English to Spanish mesmerized the judges in an earlier performance, but it wasn't enough to earn him the save, and Velez was eliminated from the competition.

In an interview after the show, Velez told reporters that his elimination didn't come as a surprise.

"I kind of knew it was going to happen," he said. "Even yesterday, I felt really good about my performance but it's just, in the end there can be only one winner. And everyone has to go home, it's just a certain time. Obviously, today was my time. I think I know who didn't want to put me through [judge Randy Jackson revealed that the decision not to save him 'wasn't unanimous']."

While the young singer didn't name the judge he suspected, it's more than obvious that he was referring to one Nicki Minaj, especially since Carey had tears in her eyes as Velez serenaded the arena.

"She has a lot of girl power. And a lot of girl thoughts — maybe she just wants a girl to win. Just the fact that the girls have been so consistent with their songs and having such higher votes. I mean, the girls are amazing this year and I have nothing bad to say about any of the contestants."

As for Carey's display of emotion, Velez said: "I love Mariah more if that means anything. That's the first time I ever saw Mariah Carey cry."

He also admitted that he had three of the four judges come up to him afterwards.

"I had Keith [Urban] come up first and he gave me this big hug and he was just like, 'Dude, you were great, it was an honor having you on the show.' And coming from Keith, that was awesome. And then I had Randy and Mariah come up, and Randy was just like, 'Dude, I want to keep in contact with you because you are an amazing artist and we would love to work with people like you.'  Hearing that from people like Randy, who's been in the business for ages, that's awesome! And then, well Mariah, she was emotional but she said the same exact thing. She said, 'I would love to sometime down your road, do something with you.' And that coming from Mariah -- and she doesn't say that to everyone I will tell you that right now. The hug was so sincere and her tears were not of joy but I got to wipe a few. So I'm not washing this finger and I love Mariah she's such a sweetheart!"
Next week, the Top 7 – Lazaro Arbos, Janelle Arthur, Candice Glover, Kree Harrison, Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller and Burnell Taylor – return to perform for America’s votes on the Classic Rock, No Ballads-themed performance show.

Senate passes comprehensive child porn prevention measure

The Senate last week a bipartisan Child Pornography Prevention Act, sponsored by Sen. Kevin O'Toole (R-Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic) passed, according to a release to the Times.
"The legislature has the duty to one of the most important initiatives in state history to pass to protect children from the most dangerous predators and destroy a rapidly proliferating industry that ruins lives," O'Toole, a Cedar Grove resident, said in the release.


The measure, S-2493, co-sponsored by the chairman of the Democratic Senate Steve Sweeney and Sen. Donald Norcross, received final Senate committee approval last week by the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee.

According to the release, S-2493 can law enforcement and prosecutors child predators behind bars without parole or early release to keep them in position to uplift and convince per charge, making it easier for them to charge and sentenced for possession and spread through the establishment of the use of child pornography file-sharing programs as a second-degree crime.

The measure, which now wait state Assembly action include the following:

* Broaden the coverage of child victims under 18 years of age laws to cover the current law only covers those under 16 years of age.

* Upgrades causing a child to engage in pornography of a second-degree crime on a first-degree crime.

* Add the causes of crime or engaging in child pornography on the "No early release Act", which means a convict would be at least 85 percent of his or her sentence to serve eligible for release.

* Set a mandatory jail sentence for those convicted of distributing at least 25 images of child pornography, for a second or subsequent offense, it set a long prison sentence (relating to the first-grade fines) with no chance on parole.

* Upgrading of the crime of possession to 1/3-graad crime, from 1/4-graad crime, and take a mandatory prison sentence for a second or subsequent offense, a long prison sentence (related to second degree fines) with no chance of parole.
* Making peer-to-peer file sharing of a spread offense, rather than owned.

* City parooltoesig for life for those convicted of the production and distribution of child pornography, forcing them to reveal an online accounts and passwords.

* State a conviction for possession of child pornography of an offender's record expunged, making all child pornography crimes on offenders' records permanently.

"It is impossible to continued reports of child pornography cases in New Jersey and how a criminal enterprise is reinforced every time an innocent child suffer the worst insult imaginable stomach," O'Toole said.

The idea of a Facebook Android version makes my head hurt

Facebook could very well start his own Android version at an event next week. But instead of the more mobile Facebook, we just need better mobile Facebook.
On a quiet Good Friday, speculation about an Android-themed event that Facebook is scheduled for next Thursday, April 4.

Of course the most low hanging rumor fruit is that the company really means it this time the endless discussed "Facebook phone." This is one rumor mill that makes me sick so I'll defer to BGR's Zach Epstein to explain what I think the chances are of such a device (spoiler: there is not a chance).
Please, God, no
Now I could be wrong. And if I am, I will say so next week. But, seriously, Facebook is not necessary to do it. Introducing a brand new phone with a few dedicated Facebook button or doodad would not bring anything to the mobile experience. Facebook and HTC already tried with the HTC Salsa and HTC Status / Chacha two years ago. Remember them? Not? Well, do not feel bad, because almost no one.

No, all about what happened inside smartphones. By all means design business - HTC, for example, use every opportunity to promote One's shiny metal skin - but the last time we heard about a mobile experience. It was definitely Samsung's Galaxy S4 launch event, the BlackBerry Z10 debut, and the showdown for the iPhone 5 (and most iPhone models).
I really do not mean
This is why I think the predictions of Nick Bilton of the New York Times and JR Raphael Computer is much more believable. Bilton says that Facebook will introduce "a special version of Google's Android software system" that "changed the social networking front and center" on an HTC device. Meanwhile, Raphael goes a step further and say we will "will position a custom Android launcher that Facebook's various services (chat, messages and warnings) see on the home screen.
What's more, and maybe I'm analyzing semantics here, but remember that Facebook's invitation promised a "new home on Android," a "new home for free." Sure, we will see a phone next week - Facebook not properly demo software without one - but I do not think it will be a new HTC device. Maybe it will be a variant of the One. This may be a reason why it was delayed so many times. But even if the news is just about the software, I just love the whole idea remains. Better apps are welcome - Facebook's current Android app is still iffy, but we do not have an Android version. And more important, we need to have an "easier" way to use Facebook.

Enough choice as it is
To be honest, we need another Android version like I need a hole in my head. Why? Because we already have enough. Samsung's laces its Android phones with TouchWiz, HTC Sense (probably the best of the bunch), and Motorola now uses a lot less offensive version of MotoBlur. Although we came to live with these versions, while not totally love them, at least each version is unique to a hardware manufacturer. If you TouchWiz, you know it's on a Samsung handset and not one made by HTC or Sony.
A Facebook-specific version of Android, however, if the water even muddier. Only where it would fit in the current Android landscape? Want the mystery HTC phone both Facebook's software and sense? Or would Sense completely replaced? Frankly, it just makes my head hurt. I'm not arguing that we live in a minimalist Mies van der Rohe world indeed only stock Android, Android would not be the same in the true spirit of the OS - but sometimes too much choice can be a good thing be.
I am also concerned with how a Facebook Android version will OS update cycle influence (Do not worry, I'm not the beginning of another Android fragmentation argument). Although there is a debate about whether or custom Android versions significantly slow the update process, you can not argue that they affect. Jelly Bean was available, for example, manufacturers had to make sure it runs as it should on their devices. I think that a Facebook version would add a layer of complexity. And if a mobile Facebook's Android and TouchWiz, then we are in a mess.
Better, more
I realize that technology is all about making us do more and do it more efficiently, but we really that desperate for Facebook's content we need to be more front and center than it already is? No, we already get push notifications for things such as wall posts, comments, and event invites in the Android app. They may not always work, but the option is there. So what more can we do need ... our phone to give us an electric shock when someone comments on your witty status update? Our confidence so tied to our Facebook-life, or is it just that we are lazy?
I also do not see why we need better access to to Facebook products like chat, messages, and events. Maybe it's just me, but I will always use text instead of the Facebook chat on my phone and I will always e-mail rather than send Facebook messages unless I have no other alternative. And those Facebook event invite? Please, those who forget. But most of all, after a phone asks me, "What's on your mind?" every time I look at the home screen will conquer.
I suspect that Bilton and Raphael correct, but I hope we have a better Android app next week rather than more Facebook on my phone. Even a simple Android widget will be good, but a full Android version would be too much. Facebook and its services are already available in enough ways. This is a big part of my phone, it's on my computer, and embedded on my tablet. So, really, what more do we need?

Glass Lewis urged Metro PCS shareholders vote T-Mobile USA deal

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Proxy adviser Glass Lewis on Friday, the second firm to suggest that MetroPCS Communications Inc. shareholders vote against its proposed merger with T-Mobile U.S. became, add pressure on Deutsche Telekom AG a sweeter deal to offer.

The advisory committee follows a recommendation by a larger proxy firm ISS late on Wednesday night that shareholders should vote against the deal with T-Mobile USA, the U.S. business of Deutsche Telekom. A smaller advisory firm Egan Jones has recommended that its clients vote in favor of the transaction.
Glass Lewis said in a report released late Thursday that the proposed transaction undervalues, MetroPCS's contribution to the combined company, adding that it probably believe MetroPCS shareholders can realize more value in the short term if the company remained independent.
Glass Lewis also said that if MetroPCS shareholders vote against the transaction, they can potentially receive a better offer.
'A MetroPCS spokesman, said in an e-mail statement that the board remains committed to the transaction and believe it is in the best interest of shareholders.
Analysts said on Thursday that ISS siding with the shareholder activists would likely force Deutsche Telekom to improve the terms of the transaction. ISS has complained about the negative market reaction to the proposed transaction, a lower valuation than justified and MetroPCS's potential to be successful as an independent company.
Paulson & Co., the largest MetroPCS shareholder, and P. Schoenfeld Asset Management, another large shareholder, both have committed to vote against the deal on concerns about the valuation and the amount of the debt is assigned to the combined company.
Similarly, another major shareholder - Madison Dearborn - his support behind the deal.
T-Mobile USA, the No.. 4 U.S. mobile provider, and its smaller rival MetroPCS would pool their spectrum resources and networks in order to better compete with larger rivals Verizon Wireless, AT & T Inc. and Sprint Nextel.
Under the terms of the reverse merger announced in October, Deutsche Telekom would end up with a 74% stake in the combined company, and MetroPCS would be a one-for-two reverse stock split declared and paid $ 1 5 billion in cash to its shareholders.
If the deal collapses, it would be a big blow to Deutsche Telekom in 2011 after they were forced to abandon its plan to buy T-Mobile USA AT & T to sell for $ 39 billion, due to opposition by regulators .
On top of these issues, the companies expect to soon tougher competition from an emboldened Sprint, which agreed to sell 70 percent of its shares to Japan's SoftBank Corp. for $ 20 billion in face to face.
P. Schoenfeld Asset Management LP, which says it owns about 2.5 percent of the MetroPCS is leading a proxy fight against the deal. Paulson & Co. has a 9.9% stake, and Madison Dearborn approximately 8.3 percent of MetroPCS shares, according to the most recent public disclosures.
MetroPCS shares slid more than 8 percent since October 1, 2012, the day before reports emerged that MetroPCS and Deutsche Telekom was in talks.

Action Systems add iPad tipos software portfolio

Action Systems Inc., makers of the Restaurant Manager Point-of-Sale System and mobile POS solutions for restaurants, has added v18 software capabilities for the iPad and iPad mini.

The latest addition to ASI's wireless POS offerings comes as the company marks the 10-year anniversary of its mobile product line.

"Restaurant Manager is hardware agnostic," said Alex Malison, CEO of Action Systems. "The system is designed to be flexible and customizable so that it fits the way independent restaurateurs do business. Our software can run on any traditional touchscreen terminal or a tablet like the iPad, iPad Mini, or Android tablets. As demand for iPad POS solutions has grown, more and more restaurant manager users have decided to convert their systems."

Restaurant Manager includes features such as the Write-On Handheld wireless ordering and payment system for the iPod Touch, and the RM Monitor remote reporting app.

"We are very excited about the possibilities for restaurants using tablet solutions," says Jay Shavitz, Product Manager at Action Systems. "Running the full POS software is just the beginning for iPad POS. Restaurants will see major increases in top line revenue from new customer facing technology currently in development as a native app for iPad, iPad Mini and smartphones."

ASI plans to launch these new mobile POS solutions as part of its v19 software, set to be released later this year.

HP Elite Book Folio 9470m Ultra Book Review: Ultra Books in Enterprise

Introducing the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m

Something funny happened when a lot of us weren't really paying attention last year: Intel's nascent "ultrabook" specification and definition quietly expanded and, in the process, sort of redefined what a notebook was. In their own circular way, Intel created a brand and changed the way notebooks were built (with ULV Ivy Bridge leading the way); I'm sure it's no coincidence that this trademarked product name has only squeezed AMD further. Ultrabooks that were 14" and larger weren't as rigidly confined by the definition as ones below that threshold, but they're still smaller creatures than the notebooks of old.

If you haven't been paying attention, thin is in. That's great for the consumer space, where certain enterprise level accoutrements aren't as important, but in enterprise, there are features that are more heavily demanded. It goes beyond the basic mil-spec testing: users want true docking stations and longer battery life. And IT departments demand user serviceability. When you're trying to develop a thin chassis, finding some way to include thesefeatures can complicate things. HP seems to think they've gotten the balance right with their EliteBook Folio 9470m.

HP EliteBook Folio 9470m Specifications

Processor         Intel Core i5-3427U
                          (2x1.8GHz + HTT, Turbo to 2.8GHz, 22nm, 3MB L3, 17W)
Chipset             Intel QM77
Memory           1x4GB Hynix DDR3-1600
Graphics           Intel HD 4000 Graphics
                          (16 EUs, up to 1.15GHz)
Display             14" LED Matte 16:9 1366x768
                          AU Optronics AUO253C
Hard Drive(s)  180GB Intel 520 SATA 6Gbps SSD
Optical Drive -
                          Networking Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 802.11a/b/g/n
                          Bluetooth 4.0
                          Intel 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet
Audio                IDT 92HD91BXX HD Audio
                          Stereo speakers
                          Single combination mic/headphone jack
Battery             Long Life 4-Cell, 14.8V, 52Wh (integrated)
Front Side -
Right Side       2x USB 3.0
                         DisplayPort
                         SD/MMC Reader
                         VGA
                         Docking port
                         Ethernet
Left Side          AC adaptor
                         Vent
                         USB 3.0 charging port
                         Mic/headphone combo jack
                         SmartCard reader
Back Side -
                         Operating System Windows 8 Pro 64-bit
                         Dimensions  13.3" x 9.09" x 0.75"
                         338mm x 231mm x 18.9mm
Weight             3.6 lbs
                         1.63kg
Extras             Webcam
                         SSD
                         mSATA slot
                         Bluetooth
                         Backlit keyboard
                         SmartCard reader
                         Fingerprint reader
                         Optional 60Wh slice battery
                         Optional docking station
                         Optional WWAN
Warranty        1-year limited, 3-year available
Pricing             Starts at $1,349
                         As configured: $1,349

Despite the overall larger chassis, HP has opted to stick with ULV Ivy Bridge with the Intel Core i5-3427U. The 3427U is similar to the newer 3337U, but has an extra 100MHz on the turbo clocks and another 50MHz on the GPU. This enterprise class notebook makes a very interesting counterpoint to Dell's own XPS 13, reviewed here recently; Dell's XPS notebooks are essentially designed to bridge the gap between consumer and enterprise laptops.

The Folio 9470m sports two user-accessible DIMM ports, but HP only populates one with a paltry 4GB of DDR3-1600, typical of the traditional enterprise tax. Thankfully there's a 180GB Intel SSD standard, as well as room to add an mSATA SSD later. There's also a WWAN slot included, the battery is removable, and HP continues to include a SmartCard reader.

Of course, things being what they are, HP only includes a 1366x768 TN panel display in the basic model of the 9470m and I don't have to tell you that it's spectacularly crappy, even by bad notebook display standards. It's hard to believe in 2013 that I can have 1280x720 on my 4" smartphone, but HP can't somehow do better than that in a stock notebook configuration. Thankfully the 9470m can be ordered with a 1600x900 panel, but that's still a far cry from the 1080p IPS goodness being found on many consumer notebooks.