General Gaming Article

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• Online Anywhere: The Complete Guide to Mobile Internet
• Comic-Con 2011: 43 Photos from the Show Floor
• Man Posts Torrent of 18,592 Academic Papers
• Browser Extension of the Week: Murdoch Block
• Sick Of TOR? Researchers Unveil Telex, A New Proxy Scheme
• Exploit Allowed Anybody To Remove Any Website From Google
• Ooma Telo and Handset Review
• Seagate Ships 52 Million Drives, Gives a Shout Out to Cloud Computing
• Music Industry Still Putting the Squeeze on LimeWire
• Intel Still Super Psyched about Ultrabook Concept

Online Anywhere: The Complete Guide to Mobile Internet Posted: 21 Jul 2011 04:52 PM PDT In a very short time frame we've become constantly connected; always on and high speed, we need to be able to get our internet fix anytime, anywhere. Most of us are more than a little reliant on our Internet connections; it's certainly not far from the truth to say that we take this access for granted. For example, how many of us would be horrified if we had to go back to a 56K modem? (To those of you who are currently rocking such a vintage connection speed, our condolences). While there are many methods of getting a high-speed connection when you're away from your home service, they all have their pros and cons. We're going to break down some of the different devices and services that provide internet access across all fifty states, delivering that delicious online content you crave. 3D Map of the World Wide Web - image courtesy vlib.us Free Wi-Fi: Location, Location, Location It seems like every week we hear about a new restaurant chain offering free Wi-Fi, but they're not all created equal. Some require registration before use, while others actually go above and beyond simply providing a dumb Internet pipe. What you get out of the connection will differ between the services. Starbucks Ok, everybody knows that you can get free Wi-Fi at Starbucks. (Hey, we're not hanging out there for the coffee.) The service is powered by AT&T's Wi-Fi network, and requires a single click to connect. No username and password, no registration, no credit card required. But there's more available than just a Wi-Fi connection. Starbucks partnered with Yahoo to create the Starbucks Digital Network. When using Starbucks Wi-Fi you will also have free access to paid areas of The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, ESPN, and many other sites. Simply visit starbucks.yahoo.com while using a Starbucks Wi-Fi connection. Barnes and Noble While lacking the access to the digital content that Starbucks does,  Barnes and Noble's AT&T provided Wi-Fi is available at all of their stores – and provides you with the rarified experience of hanging out in one of the few remaining brick-and-mortar bookstores.  Additional Locations There are already tons of places that offer free Wi-Fi, and more are added every day. McDonalds, Panera Bread, many local libraries, even Taco Bell is joining the show with free Wi-Fi at all 5600 of their locations. There are a number of resources for tracking down the best spots for free Wi-Fi. Web sites like wififreespot.com and openwifispots.com will let you search based on location or venue type. There are also smart phone apps and websites such as openwifispots.com that will let you find a hotspot while on the go. It's worth mentioning that you should always use good security practices when using a public Wi-Fi network. Using websites with HTTPS/SSL encryption will protect login information for banking or social-networking sites. Keeping your system patched and your firewall up is also highly recommended in a public environment. More Wi-Fi: Paid Services Sometimes a paid Wi-Fi service is the only option available. A travesty, we know, but the bigger issue is deciding which option is the best choice for you. We'll break down three paid Wi-Fi services that offer subscription based services across the U.S., which leaves out Comcast (which doesn't have such a service), and Verizon (which only allows access for Verizon home internet customers) and point you in the right direction. It's good to keep in mind that while the services below don't have caps or coverage fees some of them do charge fees for roaming (but that is dependent on what network you're roaming on, and can change on a daily basis). AT&T As we've mentioned, AT&T provides free Wi-Fi services at a huge number of popular locations across the country. What you may not know is that AT&T also has a paid Wi-Fi service, known as AT&T Wi-Fi Premier. At $19.99 per month Wi-Fi Premier gives you access to AT&T's entire Wi-Fi network, not just free locations like Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. Premier subscribers also get the ability to roam on partner networks in airports and hotels around the U.S. AT&T also offers a basic Wi-Fi service, which provides customers already using a qualifying home or mobile service free access to AT&T's Wi-Fi hotspots. T-Mobile Regular travelers looking to get Internet access on the cheap may be better off going with T-Mobile's service. (At least while they can, AT&T has recently put forth efforts to purchase T-Mobile - which may impact available service going forward, or may do nothing more than merge the two networks).  Our hope would be that this would simply increase AT&T's coverage and grandfather in T-Mobile's customer base. Many U.S. airports use T-Mobile to provide wireless service, or provide subscribers access through roaming agreements. T-Mobile's Wi-Fi service costs $9.99 per month for T-Mobile voice subscribers or $39.99 per month if you aren't already a customer. Boingo It may not have the brand recognition that AT&T or T-Mobile have, but make no mistake Boingo is one major up-and-comer among paid Wi-Fi services. Offering over 28,000 hotspots in the U.S. alone, Boingo serves public spaces, shopping malls, universities, and restaurants. Boingo offers a $9.95 laptop plan a $7.95 mobile plan, and a $17.90 combo plan that will allow you to use both a laptop and mobile device simultaneously.     Wireless Broadband Wi-Fi services are great, but the short-range nature of the technology makes it less prolific from a coverage perspective. If you have to have an always-available Internet connection, a cellular-based option is really your only choice. Though traditionally cellular data connections have been slow and unreliable, 3G and now 4G technologies are rapidly improving and expanding. Hardware The hardware to provide a cellular connection is being packed into more form factors than ever these days,  and determining the most appropriate hardware for your needs is the first hurdle.  Often the simplest and most elegant hardware solution for mobile broadband is a card that is integrated directly into a laptop. This solution guarantees that the hardware is always with the computer and helps protect against a lost or stolen broadband modem. Many laptop manufacturers will include a broadband card at no cost when you sign up for a monthly data plan. The simplest option to add wireless broadband capability to a laptop is a USB modem. The hardware is generally plug-and-play, and most carriers have a couple of different models to choose from. Various brands offer 3G and 4G solutions across a variety of carriers, so do some research and find the best choice for the right price. Companies like Radio Shack, Best Buy, and Amazon will have deals and incentives to entice you to purchase your hardware and services through them, so use that to your advantage. Portable Wi-Fi hotspots like Verizon's 4G LTE MiFi 4510L have got to be the most flexible solution for mobile Internet access. Not only do you get high-speed data to your Wi-Fi enabled laptop, but you can share the Internet connection with up to five distinct devices. The main downside is price, as mobile hotspots are generally $50-$100 more than a USB modem with similar capabilities, but since we're talking about a one-time fee for the hardware it's not too painful a prospect considering what you'll get out of it. Tethering your smart phone to your PC in order to share the data connection is a classic power user's move, but in the last few years the process has become much more regulated. What began with physically connecting your Blackberry or Windows Mobile phone via USB has morphed into the wireless hotspot utilities built into iPhones and Android handsets such as Sprints Samsung Epic 4G. Each device and carrier has a different process and pricing structure, so check with your carrier to see what capabilities you have on your phone. Also be aware that tethering will eat up your allocated bandwidth in a hurry so keep an eye on your usage to avoid hefty overage charges. While they aren't technically a method of connecting your PC to the Internet,  a tablet device with a 3G or 4G radio can be a handy way to maintain your link to the Internet without resorting to the small screen of a smart phone. Tablets from Apple, RIM, HP, and a host of Android OEM's all offer large screens and increased usability in a device that can maintain its own Internet connection using a 3G or 4G capable radio. Apple's iPad tablets are some of the most popular consumer electronics devices in the world, but Apple doesn't yet offer an iPad with a high-speed 4G radio like some of their competitors. Services Without a wireless broadband service, your shiny new data card or hotspot is completely worthless. The biggest problem here is figuring out which service provider will give you the best service for the cost involved. Data speed, reliability, network coverage, and data caps all come into play - and worse they are subject to change and pages (and pages, and pages) of fine print. If speed is of primary concern you should consider the 4G technology that your carrier of choice is offering, and check to ensure it meets the technological requirements of 4G (or if it is simply being used as a marketing tool). AT&T is one of the most popular cellular networks in the US – or at least, has the biggest subscriber base - and offers decent 3G speeds and a large network. AT&T offers their DataConnect 3G plans for laptops, USB modems, and mobile hotspots at two different tiers; for $35 or $60 you get 3GB or 5GB of data. AT&T only has one 4G plan for this range of devices, which costs $50 for 5GB of data. Tablets and iPads on AT&T are limited to 3G plans, 250MB's for $14.99 or 2GB for $25. (It's worth noting that the tablet and iPad plans are separate, though at first glance appear identical).  If you want to tether your smart phone or use the Wi-Fi hotspot feature you're looking at a $45 data plan, which in essence adds 2GB of data (bringing you up to 4GB) and the ability to tether for $20 over the standard 2GB smart phone data plans. Blackberry, iPhone, and 4G plans vary but are offered at the same price points. Whether you are judging by speed, coverage, devices or customer satisfaction, Verizon has one of the best 4G networks   Verizon's data plans for 3G enabled laptops, mobile hotspots, tablets, and USB modems generally follow the same pricing structure. For the majority of their plans Verizon charges $30, $50, and $80 for 2GB, 5GB, or 10GB respectively (3G tablets have an additional tier lower for 1GB of data for $20). Verizon also offers prepaid broadband options so you can pay for your data and use it as needed, without a monthly contract. Verizon smart phone users can add 2GB of data and tethering/hotspot functionality to select phones for an additional $20 a month. T-Mobile doesn't have the coverage that Ma Bell and Big Red have, but much of their customer base is fanatically loyal. It remains to be seen how the buyout is going to affect T-Mobile customers but there is some overlap in the frequencies that AT&T and T-Mobile support, which should help ease the transition. Unlike the other carriers we've talked about, T-Mobile doesn't start charging you overage fees once you exceed your data cap for the month- they simply throttle your bandwidth. T-Mobile's pricing for their monthly data plans range from $24.99 for 200MB, up to $84.99 for 10GB. Phone tethering and Wi-Fi sharing can be added to your qualifying (minimum $19.95) smart phone data plan for $14.99, but does not gain you any additional data. While Sprint's 4G network isn't the most widespread, they've been on the 4G train for longer than the other guys. However, the major upside to Sprint's mobile broadband plans is unlimited 4G data across the board, meaning that data caps only apply to 3G usage. Sprint offers 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB plans at $44.99, $59.99, and $89.99 respectively. Gauging the costs for tethering your Sprint smart phone is a fairly nebulous prospect, due to the fact that data plans are bundled with voice. The primary costs are an additional $10 a month 'premium data' add-on, which allows you to use a smart phone with the plan, and the $29.99 Mobile Hotspot feature. It would seem $39.99 is a lot of money just to enable your smart phone to share its data connection, but you have to remember that this is unlimited data, which is a dying concept in this day and age. Decision Time There are a lot of things that go into making the right decision on how to get your Internet connection while mobile, and we've covered a lot of different products and methods that could be of use. But what are the pros and cons for each, and what is the best way to get the most out of the solution you choose? Wi-Fi vs. 3G/4G Just like in real estate, a big part of determining the best method to get your Internet fix is location, location, location. If a majority of your internet hours are spent in Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, and your local library then you're likely fine getting by with a free Wi-Fi service. Frequent traveler? One of the airport-centric Wi-Fi services may be worth looking into. If you need a high-speed data connection no matter where you are, you can't beat the flexibility of wireless broadband. Phone vs. Dedicated Hardware There is a lot to be said for being able to use your smartphone's data connection to access the internet – since, hey, you're already paying for it and always have it with you. However, there are two big advantages to having a dedicated device for mobile broadband. First, is the data cap on your smart phone going to be realistic if you start sharing it among several devices? Second, does your smart phone carrier support simultaneous voice and data? Either one of these issues could cause major headaches when using your smart phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and are good reasons to consider a jump to a USB modem or dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot. Which Service or Carrier? Obviously one of the biggest questions in determining which carrier or service deserves your hard earned cash is just how much are you willing to pay for your always-available connection? The second question is coverage – mainly, what kind of coverage area do you usually find yourself in? If you spend all your time in a thriving metropolis chances are you can get a decent 4G signal with any of the carriers, but the more (and farther) you move around the higher the likelihood that you will have to deal with a slower 3G signal. The same principles apply to Wi-Fi services. Prepaid or Contract? This is primarily a question for the mobile broadband services, but there is a lot to be said for not being locked into a 2-year contract. Many of the 3G/4G enabled tablets or Wi-Fi hotspots can be used with a service that you only pay for as needed, which saves you money in months when you don't need mobile data. The benefit to be gained by signing a contract for your service is a hefty discount toward the hardware side of the equation. Whether that makes sense for you depends entirely on how long you intend to keep the service, and at what point in the contract you break-even on cost. The bottom line is that you need to decide what you are trying to get out of a mobile Internet connection, what you're willing to pay for it, and the most effective way of getting what you want (or what you're willing to pay for.) We've talked about all of the tools and technologies but the real decision comes down to what your needs are and how much you're willing to pay to meet your goals.

Comic-Con 2011: 43 Photos from the Show Floor Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:51 PM PDT It is with a particular mix of eager excitement and apprehensive trepidation that we prepare ourselves every year for Comic Con. Between the panels, the announcements, the previews, the games, the costumes and the crush of super fans, it's often a geek overload. However, who better to tackle such a monstrous event than the Maximum PC staff? This year we sent Alan, Nathan and Jon to San Diego take in the sights and report back on the best happenings from the mega-event. They've been sending us photos from the show floor all morning long, so get a gander at what the mecca of pop culture geekdome has going on this year! From Spiderman to Ghostbusters, Portal to the Walking Dead, Transformers to Hulk Hogan, there's a ton going on - and we're going to cover as much of it as our microSD cards will allow! Stay close to the home page for more coverage as Comic Con continues!

Man Posts Torrent of 18,592 Academic Papers Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:27 PM PDT When you think of BitTorrent, you probably think of movies, music, and games being shared illicitly. Well, one man by the name of Greg Maxwell is turning all of that on its head by uploading a cache of 18,592 scientific papers to the torrent site The Pirate Bay. This is, according to Maxwell, a protest against the prosecution of programmer Aaron Swartz for theft of data. The 32GB torrent contains papers from the JSTOR archive. JSTOR is an academic archive of papers that is accessible to most accredited academic institutions. However, many scientific articles can only be obtained for an additional fee. Maxwell explains that it could cost hundred of thousands of dollars top get all these articles. Maxwell alleges that he gained access to these files several years ago through legal means, but hesitated publishing them for fear of the Draconian copyright claims many scholarly journals place on content. The plight of Aaron Swartz (who is being prosecuted for remotely downloading JSTOR articles through MIT's computers) changed his mind. "If I can remove even one dollar of ill-gained income from a poisonous industry which acts to suppress scientific and historic understanding, then whatever personal cost I suffer will be justified," Maxwell said in his torrent post. Do you think scientific papers should be available for free download from academic journals?

Browser Extension of the Week: Murdoch Block Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:57 AM PDT There's a lot to hate about Rupert Murdoch's media empire these days. The allegations leveled against what was once one of the mogul's flagship publications run the gauntlet from unethical to disgusting, dragging journalism through the mud all along the way. Illegally tapping telephones in the name of an outrageous headline? Bribing law enforcement officials? Dead whistleblowers? It's all so seedy and sordid. If you're of a mind to protest all of this dire hullaballoo, boycotting Murdoch-owned publications and television stations is a good start, but to do it right, you'll want to take the fight online as well. To make your online NewsCorp as easy a go as possible, the smart money's on Murdoch Block, our Browser Extension of the Week. While it's sadly only available at this time to Chrome users, Murdoch Block is just what the doctor ordered. Once installed, the extension effectively blocks access to NewsCorp's most popular news-centric websites. Additional Murdoch sites, such as Hulu and AllThingsD can easily be added to your block list as well, thanks to Murdoch Blocker's user-friendly options page available via Chrome's Extensions menu. For anyone that takes their online boycotting or protesting seriously, this is one extension that you'll want to at your disposal. Be sure to check back every Thursday for another edition of Browser Extension of the Week.

Sick Of TOR? Researchers Unveil Telex, A New Proxy Scheme Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:09 AM PDT The porn – um, "privacy" – modes in modern browsers do a great job of letting workers browse Facebook under the noses of employers with strict Web policies, but privacy modes don't do squat when a heavy-handed regime blocks access to specific websites. Freedom-loving webizens in freedom-hating countries have long turned to TOR as their onion-routing proxy of choice to get around governmental roadblocks, but researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new system that could help Iranians and other censored Web users access "immoral" websites like Twitter and CNN. Dubbed Telex, the system doesn't actually involve pointing users towards individual proxies. It works by attaching Telex devices to routers in various choke points throughout the Internet's architecture. Ars Technica reports that users would then identify which traffic they want proxied where; they would then point their browser to a standard website, and the Telex routers would pick out the traffic en route and redirect the browser to the desired website. Censors would never know the switch even happened. Of course, the Telex tag couldn't be obvious or those dastardly dictators would just block all communications that contained the rerouting command. The researchers got around that by exploiting the nature of TLS handshakes that are used to transfer encrypted traffic across the Web. If you indicate that you want a Telex redirection, Telex's public key creates a steganographic tag for the traffic and inserts it into the TLS handshake's "nonce," which is normally a random string. To throw off would-be censors, the Telex tag also appears random, but the code would be recognized by the Telex servers. Placing Telex devices on choke points around the Web seems pretty friggin' expensive to us, and there wouldn't be much incentive for commercial carriers to implement the proxy service. Telex won't work without widespread adoption, so what's the research team's implementation plan? They're hoping to get governments to foot the bill --  some day -- in the further interests of democracy. If you're the kind of person who likes page after page of technical details, you can check out the entire plan here.

Exploit Allowed Anybody To Remove Any Website From Google Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:18 AM PDT China's been catching a lot of grief lately for ruthlessly culling scores of websites from the Internet, but as it turns out, Google may have been unintentionally doing it's part, too. Yesterday, James Breckenridge, the director of operations at UK Web Media, reported an exploit in Google's Webmaster Tools that allowed anybody to remove any website from Google's search results. And, as everybody knows, if you're not on Google, you might as well not even be on the Internet. Search Engine Land reported on the flaw yesterday. The exploit was a simple one, too; all you had to do was log into Google Webmaster Tools and point your browser at the following address: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/removals-request?hl=en&siteUrl=http://{YOUR_URL}/&urlt={URL_TO_BLOCK} Google responded to the situation immediately, removing the ability for users to delete URLs as soon as they heard of the issue. Within seven hours, the URL removal function was back up, sans the rogue removal exploit. But what about worried web owners who may have had their sites scrubbed off the search giant's radar? "The URL removal feature kept detailed records, so we're currently reprocessing earlier removal requests to ensure their validity," Google told Computerworld. "Our initial examination has shown only a limited impact."

Ooma Telo and Handset Review Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:00 AM PDT Don't limit your cable cutting to your cable provider It's no secret that the number of minutes the average American spends talking on his or her home phone has been in steep decline in the last few years. The truth is that for most of us, the landline is more neglected than one of Octomom's children. Despite that trend, many of us still cling to the comfort of a dial tone at home. That's where Ooma's Telo comes in. Offering a stand-alone VoIP service that's essentially free (other than the taxes to the Man), this sleek device is a home phone alternative that lets you flip the bird at Ma Bell. The $50 Ooma handset increases call quality but lacks a headset jack. For most folks, setting up the Telo is fairly easy—although we hit a snag during installation. Normally, the Telo is the first device plugged into your modem. This lets it control the flow of data so that if you're making a voice call while hitting a heavy torrent, the call quality isn't disturbed. In the case of our static IP setup, though, we had to run the Ooma plugged into our router instead. Ooma has an optional $50 DECT 6.0 handset that syncs to the Ooma unit. It gives you higher "HD" quality voice than a standard phone. The Ooma handset has one glaring flaw, though: no jack for a corded headset. You can also use the Ooma with your existing phone system by connecting it directly to the wall jack. This will put a dial tone on every jack in the house. It's a bit tricky, and the company's own FAQ says you risk bricking the unit if you don't do the procedure correctly. An optional Bluetooth dongle can be plugged into the Ooma, but you'll have to pay extra for the feature. From here, you fire up a browser, create an account, punch in the address you want your 911 calls to go to, and start making calls. You get typical landline features such as voicemail, caller ID, and call waiting. Calls anywhere inside the U.S. are "free" and "unlimited." While calls are generally unlimited, the company maintains a technical limit of 5,000 minutes, which it can enforce if it finds out you're using the phone for commercial purposes. Free also has some asterisks hanging over it. International calls will be charged against a prepaid account, but generally it's fairly affordable depending on where you're calling. All Ooma-to-Ooma calls are free. Originally, Ooma service was free of taxes, until the Man stepped in. Taxes vary depending on your location, but in our case, it worked out to roughly $3.50 per month. Ooma also offers a premium service for $10 a month, which tacks on Bluetooth support that lets you use the cell's headset or your cell phone itself. Also included are Google voice extensions, text or email notification of voicemail, voicemail to text, do not disturb, an instant second line, community blacklists, and other features. Cheapskates rejoice, Ooma's Telo is here to make you smile. With Ooma, you can have landline-like, or better, quality for less than the cost of a large latté every month. It's definitely cheaper than Vonage if you can forego the extra features and primarily make calls within the U.S. Is it as bulletproof as your landline? No. In a power outage you're SOL, and an Internet outage would sideline you as well. But frankly, since every household has a cell phone or three, do you still need that kind of reliability? The real risk is if Ooma implodes, but the company appears quite stable. Now if we could just get broadband for $5 a month, we'd be in cheapskate heaven. $250, www.ooma.com

Seagate Ships 52 Million Drives, Gives a Shout Out to Cloud Computing Posted: 21 Jul 2011 09:08 AM PDT Don't let anyone fool you into thinking the hard drive market is tanking. If that were the case, Seagate's fiscal quarter and year-end 2011 financial results would look decidedly different, but as it stands, the company claims to have shipped 52 million drives. Revenue for the quarter reached $2.9 billion with net income of $119 million. "Seagate and the industry are benefiting from the significant demand for storage related to new applications and architectures associated with mobile and connected devices," said Steve Luczo, Seagate chairman, president and CEO. "Because hard disk drive storage is a fundamental technology for cloud service providers, data centers and all other network-based content providers, total industry demand grew almost 40 percent in fiscal year 2011 to 330 million terabytes." In the interesting stats department, Seagate said the average capacity per drive shipped grew to about 590GB, which represents an increase of 39 percent year-over-year.

Music Industry Still Putting the Squeeze on LimeWire Posted: 21 Jul 2011 08:52 AM PDT Everyone knows you can't squeeze blood from a turnip, but you might be surprised how much cash you can choke out of LimeWire. The former peer-to-peer file sharing service is the center of another lawsuit, this one by Merlin, a trade group that represents more than 12,000 independent labels. These record companies claim LimeWire founder Mark Gorton reneged on a promise he made in 2008 to pay them for tracks that LimeWire users pirated before going belly-up, and it's time to settle up. According to a CNet report, the suit takes aim at Lime Wire, the company that created LimeWire, based on Gorton's promise to pay Merlin members an amount comparable to whatever Lime Wire ended up settling with the four major music labels. Perhaps Gorton didn't realize exactly how much he and his company would be in for when he made that agreement. A federal judge last year sided with the music labels and ordered that LimeWire be shut down. More recently, Gorton agreed to fork over $105 million to settle up with the labels, and that's the figure Merlin wants Lime Wire to use when figuring out how much it owes the independent music labels.

Intel Still Super Psyched about Ultrabook Concept Posted: 21 Jul 2011 08:10 AM PDT One thing you won't catch Intel doing is dwelling on the past to the point where it paralyzes the Santa Clara chip maker from moving forward. Consider Intel's CULV (Consumer Ultra-Low Voltage) laptops, an experiment that flopped and could have left a permanent bad taste in Intel's mouth. Instead, Intel CEO Paul Otellini calls it a "trial run" for what comes next: Ultrabooks. Intel's talked about its Ultrabook concept before. Earlier this month, Intel executive vice president Sean Maloney boldly predicted that Ultrabooks would grab hold of 40 percent of the consumer laptop market by the end of 2012. Turns out that wasn't a rogue comment, though maybe a bit ambitious. "The Ultrabook project is much more akin to Centrino," Otellini said of the platform during a conference call, according to RegHardware.com. "It's a very wholistic approach to moving the entire market to a different kind of form factor, not just in terms of thinness, but in terms of the feature-set... always on, always connected, the machine is always aware of the networks around it... instant on, instant boot capability... building in integral touch... and other feature-sets." Otellini insists the Ultrabook concept is "as much about the features around the skin, or inside the skin, as the shape of the skin." In other words, Ultrabooks won't be mere MacBook Air clones, or rebadged Samsung Series 9 laptops. As for Maloney's 40 percent figure, Otellini didn't dismiss it, but cautioned "there's a great deal of engineering that has be done" before achieving that kind of market share. Image Credit: Asus

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MMO News

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• Bright Shadow Gameplay – First Look HD
• Family Guy Online announced
• Sword 2 launches Revelations
• Eredan iTCG
• Forsaken World announces Chains of Kleur
• Karma Online announces open beta

Bright Shadow Gameplay – First Look HD Posted: 20 Jul 2011 01:51 PM PDT To Learn More About the Game Check out our Bright Shadow Page. Bright Shadow is a brightly themed anime inspired 3D Fantasy MMORPG published by Beanfun – the same company behind Lucent Heart and Dream Drops. Graphically speaking the game looks a lot like Mabinogi and Fiesta Online, but with a distinct ‘crisper’ look and feel to it. The game was originally available through GamePotUSA, but once they shut the game service down – Beanfun picked it up and relaunched it. To learn more about Bright Shadow check out the official MMOHut Bright Shadow page which includes a detailed review, tons of screenshots, and additional videos.

Family Guy Online announced Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:39 AM PDT 20th Century Fox has announced that they will be producing Family Guy Online, a free-to-play browser-based game based on Family Guy. The game will debut at Comic Con International. Family Guy Online will be based on the Unity Engine and feature content written by the show writers, and allow single and multiplayer gaming while adventuring in Quahog. Fox is partnering with Roadhouse Interactive to produce the game, which will begin beta later this year. Source: 20th Century Fox Announces “Family Guy Online” Game Fox Enters into the Free-to-Play, Browser-Based, Multiplayer Online Game Segment; Character Creator to be Unveiled at Comic-Con; “Mayor of Quahog” Adam West to Make Comic-Con Appearance at Fox Fanfare Booth LOS ANGELES, July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — 20th Century Fox today announced its groundbreaking and Emmy Award-winning animated television series, Family Guy, will now become an interactive online experience with Family Guy Online, a free-to-play, browser-based, 3D multiplayer game launching in open beta later this year. Beginning today at the game site, www.familyguyonline.com, Family Guy fans and gamers everywhere can get their first exposure to the game by creating and customizing their own game character, which they will immediately be able to post on their Facebook page. Family Guy Online will also have a major presence at Comic-Con International 2011 this week, where Comic-Con attendees will be able to visit the Fox Fanfare booth on Preview Night, Wednesday, July 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to create and customize their own characters. Additionally, Family Guy‘s Adam West, who provides the voice of “Adam West, Mayor of Quahog”, will make a Comic-Con appearance signing limited edition Comic-Con Family Guy Online posters for fans at the Fox Fanfare Booth on Saturday, July 23, at 9:30 a.m. PDT. Set in a 3D virtual Quahog, Family Guy Online lets players interact with the actual Family Guy characters – from the Griffins to Greased-Up Deaf Guy. The game is designed so users can opt for a single-player experience or team up with others as they complete adventures and explore Quahog’s most well-known landmarks, including Spooner Street, The Drunken Clam and Lake Quahog. The show’s writers are part of the game development team, ensuring an authentic Family Guy game play experience featuring the show’s signature characters, dialogue and storylines from Family Guy episodes and current events. “The Family Guy Online project is an important studio initiative as we further our digital content development and distribution strategy. By uniting best-of-breed technologies with our most iconic film and television assets, Fox will reach consumers on whatever platforms they choose to be entertained,” noted Peter Levinsohn, president, New Media and Digital Distribution for Fox Filmed Entertainment. Similarly, Robert Marick, executive vice president, Fox Consumer Products said, “The Family Guy Online game is a cornerstone of FCP’s strategy to grow the Family Guy brand and provide Family Guy fans with fully-immersive, entertainment experiences across multiple touch points.” Fox and the Family Guy creative team have partnered with Roadhouse Interactive, a next-generation social online game production company. Roadhouse manages an integrated network of development and operational partners, including A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games, lead game developer; Mindwalk Studios, a digital art and animation studio; and Sleepy Giant Entertainment, an independent game operations management company, to build and operate Family Guy Online. “Partnering with Roadhouse Interactive on a free-to-play, browser-based game is a great way for Fox Consumer Products to extend our video game business and give Family Guy fans a new way to engage with the characteristic fun and humor of the Family Guy universe and connect with like-minded fans,” said Gary Rosenfeld, senior vice president, New Media for Fox Consumer Products. The game will be hosted on the Unity platform, an award-winning game development platform known for delivering high-quality, 3D content for online games. In addition to vibrant graphics, the flexibility of the platform will allow the game writers and developers to continuously evolve the game play and content. The game requires only a browser and Web connection to get started, allowing all fans to enjoy the experience. “Our goal is to deliver an authentic Family Guy Online game for gamers and fans of the show. The Unity platform enables us to bring a high-quality experience to browser-based games. We are going to raise the bar for entertainment IP-based games and change people’s expectations as to what a ‘browser game’ means,” said Ian Verchere, chief creative officer for Roadhouse Interactive. To register for the game, use the Character Creator and receive future updates about enhanced features and new elements for Family Guy Online , please visit the game site: [http://www.familyguyonline.com], or the Family Guy Online Facebook page: [http://www.facebook.com/familyguyonline]

Sword 2 launches Revelations Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:20 AM PDT A new major update is now live for GamersFirst’s Sword 2. Sword 2: Revelations introduces Viron Island, a new zone featuring three different forests and plenty of new quests. Raven, a new playing character and former Bristia spy, and a new non-combat pet, Capybara, make their introductions.  A new Cooking system which can offer buffs for up to six families, as well as new Alchemy recipes, are introduced for the crafting-inclined. GamersFirst also publishes APB: Reloaded and Knight Online. Sword 2: Revelations Gameplay Screenshot Source: GAMERSFIRST INTRODUCES ROBUST NEW GAME FEATURES WITH THE LAUNCH OF SWORD 2: REVELATIONS New Skill Systems, New Zones and Quests and Story-Driven Unique Playing Character Infused into Fan-Favorite Free2Play Game Irvine, Calif. , July 20th, 2011 – A leading publisher of Free2Play® massively multiplayer online games, GamersFirst (www.gamersfirst.com) today announced Sword 2: Revelations is now live and ripe for the Pioneers of Granado Espada to continue the never-ending struggle for power within the New World. Sword 2: Revelations introduces the world of Granado Espada to three brand new expanded skill systems, a new area for questing and exploration, a new unique playing character and pet to both drive the continually evolving story of Sword 2. "One of the most exciting things about working on a living, breathing MMO like Sword 2 is that they are evolving and growing worlds," says Myra Widodo, associate producer for GamersFirst.  "We have taken great care in seeking the advice of our community, and as such, they have directly molded much of the new content and features, particularly the new skill systems within Revelations." New Alchemy, Cooking and Wing Crafting Systems As with any great progression in history, tradesmen of Sword 2: Revelations will have new skills to master. Previously worthless items have been discovered to have hidden properties, unlocking new Alchemy recipes and items. And because practice leads to efficiency, now players crafting high-level alchemy items have a chance to obtain superior items. Pioneers with a culinary flair can now prepare feasts fit for royalty with the new Cooking system. Certain recipes have lasting effects in the form of increased attack power, energy, defense and magical abilities to name just a few. And there is always enough for everyone, as up to six families can dine, provided they are in the Squad. Introducing the Viron Island Area Pioneers can experience the story of Sword 2: Revelations as it unfolds in the new Viron Island area. This lush new unspoiled zone is home to new quests as well as three distinct forests with new challenges. Challenge Wolfringer in his self-proclaimed kingdom of the Red Sunset Forest. But adventurers need to be wary, for he's is not alone. Players with a more chivalric streak can quest in the infamous Blood Bog Forest in order to release the curse of the noble Viron Knights. Go prepared as the Blood Sabel will not relinquish their prize without a fight. Not much is known of the mysterious Crow Forest, other than reports of warriors' souls trapped and in need of eternal rest. Only the pioneers of Granado Espada can end corruption that has befouled this fair land. Enlist Raven to the Cause, and Enjoy the Benefits of Capybara Cursed to serve Montoro, Raven is a former spy for Bristia that attempted to flee Granado Espada after the Three Year War. Inventive Pioneers may try to release Raven from his former master in order to discover secrets about Fe Lomme Castle. As a new unique playing character, Raven can join player's Squads offering complex gameplay options and aid in the players questing in becoming the most powerful and influential Family in Granado Espada and a new pet come to the bestiary with Sword 2: Revelations. Players can now travel with Capybara. As a non-combat pet, this former monster not only brings his individual cuteness to the Squad, but also brings tangible benefits in the form of added combat experience and stance experience and increased item drop rates. A unique blend of real-time strategy and role-playing massively multiplayer online, Sword 2: Revelations increases both the risk and reward as players experience the next chapter in this epic tale of political intrigue and personal combat,  inspired by Europe's exploration of the Americas. Delve into a visually stunning world of fantastic Baroque architecture and conspiracy and as a player you have the possibility of becoming a key representative of one of the political factions that constantly vie for power. Explore and adventure in a world of political intrigue, conflict and danger solo or by joining forces with other Pioneering Families to battle enemies and eventually control the world of Granado Espada. To get up-to-date information on GamersFirst and Sword 2's Community and Fan Pages, check out the following links: Facebook – www.Facebook.com/GamersFirst Website– http://www.gamersfirst.com/sword2/?q=Revelations Twitter –@Sword2

Eredan iTCG Posted: 20 Jul 2011 11:18 AM PDT Eredan iTCG is a 2D social fantasy warfare themed online trading card game. Become the ultimate warrior by demolishing the competition. Duel other players using magical decks of cards. Purchase boosters. Create and customize your hand. Wield powerful weapons and cast various spells during intense battles. Prove you have it what it takes to be the last hero standing. Publisher: Travian Games Playerbase: Low Graphics: Medium Quality Type: MMO TCG EXP Rate: Low PvP: Duels Filesize: Browser/Facebook Pros: +Nice selection of cards. +Duels. +Daily quests. +Plenty of trophies. +Card trading system. +Cool fan card creation feature. +Free original game soundtrack download. Cons: -Slow paced gameplay. –Booster packs and premade decks cost real money. –May be too basic for more advanced TCG players. –Graphics could be better. –Small playerbase. – No chat interface. Overview Eredan iTCG Overview Eredan is a medieval fantasy themed TCG MMO. Players become heroes in a world where it's hard to distinguish the difference between friend and foe. When creatures of darkness begin to terrorize a land already torn apart by war a leader must be forged. Using a simulation similar to the mechanics of a physical card game players create their own deck of characters and spells to play against others in a duel to the death. Win matches, upgrade heroes, and participate in tournaments. Although comparable to other trading card titles such as Yu-Gi-Oh! Online and Magic the Gathering Tactics this game features Facebook integration allowing users to connect with friends or make new ones. There's also a wide selection of cards to collect and trade from spells to items. Some are unique to certain classes or characters providing bonus stats. Each signature hero card displays the character's race, class, and associated guild. There are also six multi-classes combining the Priest, Mage, Warrior, and Marauder class that are available as players advance. Races – Human, Beast, Ice Elf, Elfine, Golem, Guemelite, Hom'Chai, Undead, Solarian, and Unknown. Classes: Warrior – These skilled fighters accumulate the most hit points out of all the classes. They have the ability to chain a second card when the first one is a weapon or item listed on the hero's card. Mage – Sorcerers with powerful spells but are physically weak. Mages lose their physical attack abilities when they cast an offensive spell. Marauder – Considered ill-tempered thieves or rogues this class utilizes their speed and strength. Although they lack the typical warrior's stamina Marauders get +1 attack when battling a particular class. Priest – Their secret weapon is the all mighty Theurgy Card which enables healing and the power to cripple opponents. Priests are one of the best supportive classes. Craftsman – Handy little devils equipped with special items that can be attached to any active character in play. Guilds: Zil Warriors – Army of Marauders with high attack stats and good defense. They're generally lower in health than other guilds. Kotoba – Warriors with custom equipment to eliminate foes quickly. There are no Priests in this clan and only a couple of Mages. Noz' Dingard Envoys – This guild possesses the best Mages in the world. Although higher in spirit levels Noz' Dingard Envoys are weaker in areas of health and attack. Desert Nomads – Abundant in Priests there arsenal of spell cards make them a worthy opponent. Sap Hearts – In tune with the environment this class made up of Warriors and Mages cast powerful nature spells to destroy enemies. The Pirates – Mostly Craftsman equipped with cool contraptions and damaging weapons. The Mercenaries – This group can join any particular guild. Their stats are average across the board. Eredan iTCG Screenshots Full Review Eredan iTCG Full Review By, Ange Perdu Eredan iTCG is a 2D social medieval fantasy themed browser based online trading card game where players become an inexperienced hero named Lucyan. Determined to bring order and peace back to his troubled land he must fight villains and beasts with the help of a few trusted companions. All characters are represented by virtual cards that play similar to a physical card game. Players create their own deck with three fighting characters and up to 20 magical items or spell cards to use during combat. Challenge others in PvP battles to earn XP and magical crystals. Complete missions, win trophies, or participate in tournaments with friends. As players level up they can upgrade cards or trade with fellow warriors. Last Warrior Standing, the Gameplay Most of the gameplay consists of PvP duels in the form of matches. To start a duel a player has to enter one of the two level rooms located in the lobby area. Available players will appear in a drop down list. Eredan has a small community of players but most of the members are devoted so there is usually always someone to play against. A quick click on the challenge button next to a user's name will initiate the match. Once accepted a screen appears displaying each player's three character or hero cards lined in a rows. Much like Yu-Gi-Oh! Online the interface resembles a physical card game. Battles are turn based and divided into several steps repeated until there is only one character card left. The first player must choose the hero out of their displayed deck and their opponent's character card to duel. Then each player is allowed to select a card from their five card slot deck at the bottom of the screen only visible to them. These cards contain items or spells that characters can perform to deal more damage during attacks. Up to 2 cards can be played per player in a single turn. Occasionally when a spell is casted like the Fireball a small flame burst appears near the card. It's neither necessary nor impressive. After a character has been attacked they are temporarily tapped out until the other two heroes have been played. In between turns each player has the opportunity to discard cards customizing their hand. Discarded cards are randomly replaced from a player's collection to maintain a full bottom deck. When a hero's health stat reaches zero they are dead and their card is turned over. The last player with a hero standing or with the most accumulated points at the end of the round wins. Fighting earns XP and crystals that can later be used for purchasing decks in the game's shop. There are also various missions and daily quests that can be completed to earn XP or prized trophies. These tasks usually require players to participate in some sort of duel in order to accomplish it. Missions also vary in difficulty from simple quests such as win three games using a Mercenary Deck to play 20 games and at the end of each match have a difference of health points of each character that is less than 8 points. For joining 10 fights or obtaining 100 cards in their collection players receive crystals and plenty of experience. Playing matches over and over again can be tedious making the gameplay feel extremely slow paced at times. Card Decks & Enchantments Although players start out with the characters Lucyan, Shana, and Crystocat as part of their playable deck any group of heroes in a user's possession can be participate in a battle. As players level up through dueling they can upgrade their cards or purchase starter decks using crystals. Every time a card is used during a battle it earns individual experience. When the required amount of points is reached a player can simply click on the card in their dashboard area and instantly upgrade. Upgraded heroes have higher stats. Players must use strategy and a variety of spell or item cards similar to the game Magic the Gathering Tactics in order to be worthy opponent. Spell cards like the Door to Infinity that removes all active cards in play or the Burn in Hell enchantment that deals out heavy damage engulfing enemies with flames. Item cards come in the form of jewelry or weapons such as the Emerald Sword. Starter packs containing Aez the Wandering Warrior, Fog Snake, Selene, Moira the Witchblade, IRO the Duelist, and others can be bought or traded. There's no chat interface. Users have to communicate via the forum boards or the embedded mail system. Once a player reaches level 6 and has played 30 games they're able to access the marketplace to trade individual cards or complete collections with others. The Fee'z for Advancing Boosters, decks, individual cards, and trophies are sold in the game's official store also.  Most of the booster packs are divided by guilds. Each guild set contains 12 cards combining rare, common, and guild affiliated heroes. Decks have 23 cards with three character and 20 items or spells. Buy Clover, Captain Al Killicrew, Iolmarek, and Soraya with higher stats. The weapons or item card selection varies depending on class and guild as well. Collect Crystal Armor, the Sword of the 5 Elders, Simple Dagger, Short Sword, Draconian Sword, Deirf Geiss's Double Blade, Mystic Staff, Bestial, Flail, and Pistol blade, Desert Wooden Bow, Scroll of the Insane, and Dark Stone Heart. There are only 18 cards available in the shop that players can buy using crystals. Each of these cards has a level requirement that must also be met. The rest of the items in the store have to be purchased using diamonds called Fee'z. This form of currency requires real money to accumulate. Players that invest in the booster packs and decks in the shop have a significant advantage over others. A very cool feature in the game is the Fan Card Creation. Players can create their own hero. Choose their name, rarity, write a description of their powers, and select various attributes. User's have the option to pick a predefined backdrop or custom background. Draw and upload your own artwork or illustration to share. It's a nice addition to the game. Final Verdict: Fair Eredan iTCG is a decent free online trading card game especially for those new to the genre. Players have the option of perfecting their strategy in the training area or entering one of the level rooms for a challenge that will count on the scoreboards. There's a nice collection of decks and booster cards to choose from. Create your own had by discarding unwanted cards for random new ones. Trade with other players or compete in scheduled tournaments. Although the gameplay is somewhat slow paced and the graphics could be a lot better the game is still fun for CCG fans. Players can upgrade their character cards increasing their stats as they progress and make their own Fan Card with a cool creator tool. There's even a free download of the game's original soundtrack available. Beginners or gamers that like Yu-Gi-Oh! Online or Magic the Gathering Tactics may enjoy this easy to pick up and play browser based TCG MMO. Screenshots Eredan iTCG Screenshots 123► Links Eredan iTCG Links Eredan iTCG Official Page

Forsaken World announces Chains of Kleur Posted: 19 Jul 2011 07:54 PM PDT The next major update to Forsaken World, known as Chains of Kleur, has been announced. In addition to raising the level cap to 80, the update will add a new dungeon, Forgotten Prison, designed for players above level 70 and featuring the ogre Kleur. Also new will be mounted combat, the ability for pets to help complete daily quests and events, level 3 guild bases unlocked, a revamped Eternal Faith, and the Hunting Festival. Forsaken World is published by Perfect World Entertainment, which also publishes Battle of the Immortals and Jade Dynasty. Forsaken World Gameplay Screenshot Source: ‘Chains of Kluer’ Content Update Announced for Forsaken World New Teaser Site Unveils Upcoming Features July 19, 2011 – Foster City, Calif. – Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a wholly owned US subsidiary of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD), today announced ‘Chains of Kluer’, the latest content update for its western, fantasy MMORPG, Forsaken World. Once a celebrated hero of Eyrda, Kluer now resides beneath Freedom Harbor as a long forgotten prisoner. A spell that wiped Kluer’s memory and stole his humanity, now leaves him as a mindless, murderous ogre. It’s now up to the players to fight against the legendary Kluer and bring his story to an end at http://fw.perfectworld.com/chains. “With this latest Forsaken World update, players will have to go against one of Eyrda’s most celebrated fallen heroes, Kluer. Tragically wiped of his memory, humanity and almost forgotten, Kluer is a violent shadow of his former self,” said Clifton Chu, Product Manager for Forsaken World. “It will now be up to players to take down Kluer in one of the most heart wrenching stories that gives the game its name, Forsaken World, and as heroes, right the wrongs of Eyrda.” The Forsaken World ‘Chains of Kluer’ content update will include the following features: • Fight the legendary Kluer – Players level 70 and up can now battle against the legendary ogre, Kluer, in the new Forgotten Prison dungeon that resides beneath Freedom Harbor • Ever-changing world – New events including the revamped Eternal Faith, a Hunting Festival, and an advance pet catching dungeon • Build up your guild base – Guilds can now unlock level 3 for their guild bases, which includes higher construction buildings and lower maintenance costs • Train up - The character level cap is now raised from 70 to 80 and players can now master even more jobs as they train themselves to be the best fighter • A pet’s journey – Free up your play time by having your pet help you do your daily quests and events • Faster kills with mounted combat - Take the fight to the next level with mounted combat as death comes swifter than ever in Eyrda Fight against the legendary Kluer and bring his tragic story to an end at http://fw.perfectworld.com/chains. To join the Forsaken World community, go to:  http://www.facebook.com/ForsakenWorld

Karma Online announces open beta Posted: 19 Jul 2011 01:11 PM PDT Karma Online: Prisoners of the Dead, which recently launched its pre-open beta, has announced that its open beta will launch on August 2, and run until August 16. The open beta will add ten new maps (including Holy Ground), two new characters (Gunther and Karl), and 11 new weapons, nearly doubling the current weapon count in game. Karma Online is published by Joymax, which also publishes Silkroad Online. Karma Online: Prisoners of the Dead Gameplay Screenshot Source: KARMA ONLINE: PRISONERS OF THE DEAD REVEALS THE NEW CONTENT FOR ITS OPEN BETA IN AUGUST Joymax Pulls The Trigger On Open Beta August 2nd With The Introduction of New Maps, Characters, Weapons And More! Seoul, Korea, July 19, 2011 – Joymax, a leading online game developer and publisher, announced today the details behind the all-new gameplay experience players can expect in its upcoming World War II game with a zombie twist, Karma Online: Prisoners of the Dead, when it launches its full open beta August 2nd. Developed by Dragonfly, the creators behind Quake Wars Online and Soldier of Fortune Online, the game has just finished it pre-open beta and is now pleased to announce the details behind the all-new Maps, Characters, Weapons and more that FPS fans will experience with the launch of the open beta program that will run from August 2nd through August 16th. To sign-up to become a beta tester, or learn more about the game, players can visit http://www.joymax.com/karma/ “We were astounded by the popularity of the pre-open beta, and would like to thank the thousands of players who have helped to continue to grow what is already a fantastic community,” said Joymax CEO, Nam-chul Kim. “With the open beta scheduled to begin in early August, we are now hard at work pouring through the community’s feedback to shape and expand the next stage of the beta program to make Karma Online an amazing player experience.” The open beta will run from August 2nd to 16th and will introduce ten new maps including the Holy Ground map (team death-match mode) where opposing teams will need lightning fast reactions as they compete against one another in a church with a series of dark and claustrophobic underground tunnels. The open beta will also introduce two new characters that players have not yet been able to play as, Gunther and Karl, and a further 11 new diverse weapons bringing the total weaponry so far to 25, with more to be revealed and launched as the game nears its official launch. Developed in conjunction with Dragonfly, and published by Joymax, KARMA Online: Prisoners of the Dead is the newest installment in the KARMA Online series, the top online first-person shooter series in Korea. Players go back in time to World War II, where they must choose to side with the Axis or Allied powers and join the fight for global victory – with a zombie twist. In this virtual and historical simulation, players will be up against enemy troops as well as hundreds of the walking dead from the remains of the catastrophic battle. KARMA Online: Prisoners of the Dead will be available in English, German, Spanish and Turkish. To become a fan of Karma Online: Prisoners of the Dead, players can visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/KarmaPOD or http://twitter.com/karmapod and http://www.youtube.com/user/KarmaPOD

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