If you love your iPhone and you’ve at least heard of Capcom, then this tidbit is for you: Street Fighter 4 is finally available in the App Store.
This is the first time that the game has been ported to a mobile phone and thankfully, it is not just another one of those lazy ports (sorry Square Enix). Capcom has poured their heart out to optimize game controls for the button-less iPhone. They have employed the use of a virtual pad and have re-designed the button layout to still retain some form of arcade stick feel while utilizing the touch screen. There will also be multiple control configurations just in case they do not end up pleasing you with the default version of their masterpiece.
Visual assets from the console version will still be used, meaning you can expect the same art style with only a few minor discrepancies in color or detail.
There is multiplayer support as well via the use of a Bluetooth connection. Perfect for on the go Street Fighter IV sessions at the school cafeteria.
The game will feature a couple of returning characters as well as one new character that was introduced in the console version of SF IV, namely Ryu, Ken, Guile, Chun-Li, M. Bison, Blanka, Dhalsim and, the new fighter, Abel.
Every character is packed to the brim with all of their move sets so there is no need to master revised combos. A “Special Move Assistant” is also included in the system. This makes it easy to launch a character’s moves simply by tapping one or two buttons. Executing super moves only requires you to tap the revenge gauge or the actual EX meter. While it makes the game incredibly easy, it is an acceptable feature considering the nature of iPhone controls. Nobody expects the iPhone version to replace its arcade or console cousins but it proves to be quite an enjoyable game.
Geek has some more details about SFIV for the iPhone.
April is coming and so is the upcoming Apple iPad tablet device. No word yet on when the device will actually hit store shelves, but we have received reports that it will take late up to late April before we see the gadget on sale.
This report comes as a bit of a letdown since the US release of the tablet will be significantly earlier: April 3. While we might have to wait a few extra weeks, the device will still be the same. Those in the US hoping to get a non-3G version of the iPad will have to wait until the UK launch as the non-3G versions are still reported to be unavailable.
The reasons for the delays and unavailability of the non-3G version have led many to believe that Apple’s China based manufacturers have encountered some form of production problems. No word yet on what the problem specifically is, though some have expressed worries that the iPad’s parts may have a high breakdown rate –just like the batteries of the early generation iPods.
In any case, the launch of the iPad will still push through and Vodafone will be offering the device to its clients. Orange Mobile UK has also expressed interest in subsidizing the tablet, though no confirmations have been given.
Specs wise, this tablet really does float somewhere between a smart phone and a net book. It supports apps for the iPhone and the iPod Touch; it has a 9.7 inch capacitive touch screen and a 1GHz processor. It is a fast, reliable device for accessing the net, working on small documents, reading eBook and even playing games. So far, the Apple tablet has no multi tasking capabilities –a feature which many hope will be included later.
Get to know more about the release date for the iPad at Times Online UK.
We all know that Apple is suing HTC, and that as much as Apple denies it, this is a move to disable the manufacturer for one of their biggest competitors Google. So here’s a quick rundown of how things are.
The actual lawsuit has basis. Apple own patents to technologies which they believe that HTC is using on their mobile phones. The fact that Apple has scrounged up 20 hardware and software patents mean that they have been sitting on their patents for quite a while, hoping for a viable target to make the mistake. HTC, being close to Google, proved to be the perfect prey. Of course, this does not necessarily mean that HTC is at fault. More often than not, nobody simply knew that Apple was holding those patents or that they existed in the first place.
HTC has already spoken and they say that they will be defending their products and innovations. Google will be backing up their Android partner developer on many this lawsuit. HTC on the other hand will have patents of their own to show.
Apple’s goals are a little simple than actually getting a favorable verdict. Should the litigation process end up stalling or suspending the activities for HTC and its offices, then Apple would have already been able to cripple one of Google’s better partners.
Apple would have nothing to gain by directly attacking Google, nor do they have a case against the company. However, by choosing to attack HTC, Apple is able to indirectly affect the sales and availability of many upcoming Android devices.
So far, there is no where yet on how the progress of the investigation goes. With the number of technologies in question many expect the proceedings to drag on for weeks.
Get to read more about the Apple lawsuit against HTC at Softpedia.
iPhone games are always fun to play. Whether you are a casual player or a hardcore gamer, the iPhone’s library of titles is pretty impressive and there are plenty of games to choose from.
Hardcore gamers would want to focus on several titles released some time ago for the iPhone. First off, one of the very first hardcore games for the iPhone is Metal Gear Solid Touch. The game was made by Kojima Productions based on the Metal Gear franchise. Solid Touch is an iPhone spinoff of the MGS4: Guns of the Patriots game on the PS3.
Capcom’s Ace Attorney is also an excellent choice for hardcore gaming. The title combines intricate plotlines, a deep gameplay mechanic for investigating cases and questioning to witnesses and a cast of memorable characters in this direct port of a Nintendo DS classic.
Bandai Namco’s Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion is a sequel to the PSP game, Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception. The graphics on the iPhone are pretty impressive, detailing backgrounds and plane details nicely. It’s a great way to enjoy the tilt controls with the simplified dogfight mechanics.
For more casual gamers, here are of games worth picking up to play.
Artist Colony feels a lot like Maxis’ SIMS series of PC games as it places you in control of a virtual person and determining their career choices and living conditions. As the title suggests, the person you control is an artist, and the house is some indie-looking pad that you need to improve upon in the game.
Brothers in Arms 2: Global Front is an FPS game. The tactics are pretty basic, and the controls tend to take up plenty of the screen, though it does work well and fun in multi player.
Get to see more casual game titles for the Apple iPhone at Times Online UK.
The software development kit for the Apple iPad came out just a few days ago and the developers have been uncovering all kinds of amazing things about Apple’s new bid for market dominance (which, like the iPhone, will most probably succeed).
Around the same time that the SDK came out, people starting bringing out images of Steve Jobs’ unveiling of the tablet. The zoom in showed what might be a camera on top of the device Steve was using in the demo. While having a camera is not part of the known features of the iPad, it can also be a little surprise that Apple plans to announce when the device becomes commercially available.
Some have also pointed out the possibility that while this current version of the iPad may not have the camera, later version will (such as the rumored larger iPad 2). Also, it is possible that the camera will come as a part of the 3G version of the iPad –just like GPS which is not present in the non-3G version.
Now, developers tweaking around with the SDK have confirmed that Apple has made provisions for camera functions. One screenshot clearly shows an option to “take photo” –a reference that infers to an existing camera to be used.
Since the demonstration units given to the press at the launch of the device did not feature the camera (it was the non-3G version to go circled around), many cannot confirm if the device will actually have a camera when it finally comes out on retail. With features such as multitasking and flash compatibility still not present, there could be more added unto the device later.
The Telegraph UK has the full story on the iPad camera.
When the Nexus One launched, it did not take long before talks of a potential Nexus Two or Nexus 1.5 popped up. Technology loves its successors and sequels and it makes perfect sense that we are always waiting for the next big thing. Anyway, it turns out that there really will be a Nexus two and that the idea of a keyboard toting Google phone is not far from reality.
Now take that same example and apply it to the rumors regarding the iPad.
Less than a full week since Steve Jobs unveiled the Apple iPad, rumors that a much larger device similar to the iPad will be launched. Where the iPad was much closer to a mobile phone in specs, the new iPad 2 would be much more similar to a Mac.
Another set of rumors pointed to the iSight being present in the iPad Steve Jobs was holding during the unveiling of the Apple tablet. Images of the iPad’s internal frame showed a slot just about the right size for the iSight camera, though it can also be the ambient light sensor. Officially, Apple has not included the iSight as part of the iPad’s specs though they can spring it on us as a last minute surprise when the device becomes available for retail.
As for the news regarding the iPad 2, it is a very probable possibility that a more powerful version of the iPad is already in the works; though a tablet with such high end specs would be geared more towards attracting the niche market of tech lovers rather than general users. There are already plenty of reports stating that Apple is already far along the development work on their next tablet device.
Go to Pocket Lint the read the full story on these iPad related rumors.
After a few days of wondering when the much coveted Apple tablet will actually in the UK, it has finally been announced that the iPad 3G will be arriving the UK in April.
Of course, this means that the non-3G version will be made available at a slightly earlier time than that (estimates place a launch at late March). Right now, the big question is whether a mobile network operator has managed to snag an exclusivity deal for the device. With 3G network connectivity being a major issue; it would certainly help to have choices to choose from.
In the US, it has been reported that AT&T’s 3G network is far from capable of handling the needs of the iPad. This comes as a major blow to the network provider who has already been the target of criticisms from iPhone users regarding slow, congested and unstable 3G connections.
In the UK however, things are a little different. While O2 has had its share of complaints from iPhone users, the general consensus is that local 3G networks are far more capable and prepared for the heavy bandwidth users. At the very least, Vodafone’s efforts in strengthening their network for their iPhone launch this January has enabled the network operator to keep up with 3G demands. Just a week back, they re-released the Femtocell Sure Signal 3G booster that uses broadband connections to provide 3G in homes where 3G signals are weak.
The Apple iPad comes with a 9.7 inch touch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and is capable of handling games, EBooks, browsing and other functions. It is powered by a 1GHz A4 processor though it does not have multi tasking capabilities.
For more details on the scheduled launch of the iPad in the UK, go to Tech Radar.
January 27 has been a very happy day for Apple, or at least for Steve Jobs. The Apple iPad launch has been a very successful event and from the initial looks of things, people are looking forward to seeing the potential of the new tablet.
Now, let us take a couple of steps back and see why it actually makes sense to spend some hard earned cash on a tablet even though devices such as 3G smart phones and net books already exist.
Imagine sitting at the breakfast table in the morning. Now you want to read the news. Obviously, the most comprehensive news you will find will be online, on your computer; but there is hardly any space on your table to pop it up. This leaves you with either your mobile phone’s RSS reader or the morning paper.
Now imagine having another alternative, the Apple iPad. It is small enough to leave lying around the dining area or your living room. It is slim and light, if you can manage to flip open a newspaper in the dining table, you can handle the tablet. Despite its size, it delivers a complete desktop browsing experience.
For this alone, the iPad is already a very invaluable item to have at home. In fact, it would make perfect sense to have one for almost every individual in the house. Web browsing is not the only function it can do too. The iPad comes with iWork for handling documents making it the perfect accompaniment to a student or for quickly handling office work. The tablet also works great for people who love reading eBooks as well.
Overall, the iPad is a sign of many things to come; devices such as Apple’s tablet will certainly change the way we live in the future.
The Apple iPad is definitely going to be more of a home use device than a portable gadget. But will people adapt to this new technology or is having a net book a much better idea?
McGraw-Hill certainly thinks that the much rumoured Apple iPad has its place in our future. The major corporation just confirmed to the world that they are working with Apple in order to convert published material into the tablet.
The prevalence of E-Book readers, the Kindle and other similar devices is a definite sign that there is a solid market for devices that let your read books. And it seems like these devices might be seeing a major competitor in the form of the iPad.
Will the tablet be a successful digital book reader? It seems most certainly so. The device is slim and light; and judging from Apple’s history with hand touch screens we can expect the controls and the overall graphic capabilities of the device to be top notch.
Some reports are already discussing as to whether the device has enough hardware to run some high end games, and with companies such as EA having tie ups with Apple, that possibility will come true.
The news that McGraw-Hill brings makes us all wonder if the device will come packed with a small library of ready to read books or if they will be having a specialized online E-Book store for tablet users.
The iPad itself has already garnered praise from renowned individuals such as the former president of Google China, Kaifu Lee. The man is respected for his work in Microsoft as the vice president of interactive services and his handling of Google China from 2005 to 2009.
Catch the video of McGraw-Hill’s statement from Into Mobile.
Vodafone sold around 100,000 units of the Apple iPhone in its first week since the launch. The performance beats Orange’s iPhone sales for the entirety of December (100,000) as well as the sales of its’ supposed rival, the Google Nexus One (only 20,000 units in the first week).
Why is this 3G phone so popular?
Many people use the iPhone for many different reasons. Aside from the fact that the phone is already a social icon that is recognized by many, the device itself comes with plenty of useful functionalities. While many believed that it would be a fun gimmick to give the iPod some mobile phone capabilities, Apple pulled it off and delivered a whole new era in the mobile phone industry.
The apps, media capabilities, stylish look and its simple, easy to use design formed what is to be the phone of today’s generation. With the iPhone, smart phones stopped from being purely for business.
Vodafone’s sales are not just based entirely on the iPhone itself; the mobile network operator also brought plenty into the table making its iPhone offering the most lucrative for many.
The big scale tipping factor came in the form of Vodafone’s massive 3G network that promised to deliver the fastest speeds, widest coverage and strongest signals of all networks in the UK. Combined with the operator’s expansive network, the availability of the Femtocell Sure Signal 3G boosters for home use and the one year of network preparation have led many to believe in Vodafone.
iPhone users who got their devices through Vodafone will be getting a special network exclusive application, People Sync. This is a special app that connects to the existing Vodafone 360 network which will allow users to consolidate and synchronize their contact lists with online friend lists.
Read the rest of the details from the source.
