PlayStation store on a PC near you

Having to wear clothes, walk out the door and actually travel to a store just to get new games is so 2006. Console machines have made buying new content easy via online stores. However, the console needs to be hooked up to the Internet and your PC just doesn't figure in the equation.

With the launch of PlayStation Store (PC), your system can now get a cut of the action. You can now download new games directly on your PC before transferring them to your console. Frankly, we don't see the need for such a store since those who can access the online store via PC should also be able to do so with their consoles. Nonetheless, it's always good to have options.

Classics like Biohazard and Metal Gear Slug have been ported over to the PSP (PlayStation Portable), with prices that start at S$6.49 (US$4.34). PSP owners can also get exclusive titles like Piposaru Academia-Ape Quest. Other upcoming features include free game demos, custom themes and movie trailers. The store is now open for Asia-Pacific markets and payment can be made using credit cards or prepaid cards sold to be sold by game retail shops.

PlayStation phone rumors resurface

Talk of a convergence device that incorporates features from the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable) and a mobile phone first emerged when one of Sony Ericsson's senior vice presidents revealed to CNET Asia that the company was working on something related to it.

After more than a year, the rumor was reignited after Sony Computer Entertainment COO Jim Ryan told The Economic Times that a PlayStation phone is a future possibility. In the same article, he acknowledges that such a device will be challenging to make as mobile phones usually have small screens and keys which hinder the gaming experience.

No timeline was given though we understand that it usually takes two years to develop a new lineup of phones--so don't expect an announcement the next day.

Combining two distinct brands to create a mobile phone is not new to the company. A line of Bravia (Sony's TV brand) phones made by Sony Ericsson meant for mobile TV viewing are sold in Japan by operator NTT DoCoMo.

Mobile phones with gaming capabilities have been tried before. The most well-known are the N-Gage devices from Nokia which have since been discontinued. That brand name still lives on as the company's gaming service meant to be used with its Nseries mobile phones.

Via: The Economic Times and Kotaku

Super-specced Cowon Q5W now available

The Cowon Q5 PMP (personal media player) was first spotted at CES 2007 and had a feature list that was simply over the top for a portable entertainment device. It's finally available and has the name Q5W now. The specifications are largely similar to the earlier announcement though HSDPA is no longer mentioned as a feature in the Q5W. Also, instead of 500MHz, the processor now has a clock speed of 600MHz. This is the first PMP from the company to use Windows CE. Here's a list of its key specs:

• Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0
• AMD Alchemy AU1250 600MHz
• Windows CE 5.0 Professional
• 5-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen LCD
• Component and composite TV-out
• Supports AVI (DivX, XviD), ASF, WMV, MPG, MP4, OGM
• USB 2.0 host
• FM radio / voice recorder
• Built-in stereo speakers
• 40GB or 60GB HDD

The 60GB Q5W is available in Singapore immediately at S$1,060--the distributor has chosen not to offer the 40GB version. According to Cowon, the device will soon be rolled out in other parts of Asia Pacific outside Korea, though no specific timeline was given.

586 diamonds, US$12,495, one nano

Another iPod, another diamond--or 586 of them, to be exact. In this latest example of egregious excess, a company called Ice Forever will reportedly cover your nano in 10.36 carats of diamonds set in 14k white gold.

But if you're worried about the cost, take heart: This is an after-market service, so you'll save money by having the bling job done on the iPod you already own, rather than having to pay the additional mark-up charged by the customizer. That will bring the cost down to a mere pittance of US$12,495, according to BornRich.

Still, we don't know how they expect anyone to settle for less than 18k or 24k these days. Besides, we all know that what's important is quality, not quantity.

Via Crave CNET

Ditch your iPod 'phones for a Shure

Question: What's the first thing you should do after opening the package of your new iPod? Most will probably answer: Fondle the iPod and be amazed at how pretty it is. But the correct answer is this: Throw out the earphones that come with it.

Most portable music players are capable of great sound quality, but many users never get the most out of them because they use the provided earphones which never do justice to your music. Shure is a brand of earphones originally designed for the most exacting listener. The company has widened its scope and also makes high-quality mid-end gear nowadays, and the SE110 model is one of those.

Like all good earphones, the SE110 comes with earbuds designed to block out ambient noise. Three different sizes are provided so you can find the right fit whether you have ears like a fish or if your nickname is Dumbo.

It's the company's entry-level model, but in that class you still have to pay a premium. It is available in Singapore at S$179, significantly more than most other basic earphones. But if you've been hurting your ears with out-of-the-box headsets, we promise it'll make a world of difference.

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