8 Bits in a Bite

It’s no surprise really that the new Microsoft XBox, due for release in around 18 months, will boast a number of new and exciting features: A super charged new graphics card, blu-ray compatibility, and even an updated release of the Kinect. One ‘feature’ however that many consumers, not to mention games stores, will not be pleased about, is that used games will not be able to be played – or so reports suggest.

On the one hand, I can completely understand why this makes no sense. Second hand games are just a part of gaming culture. Take that away, and you’ve limited the number of people who can even buy games to begin with. Not to mention: How will game rentals work? Would you have a special one time code, each time the game is rented? Or would they be specially designed discs?

On the other hand however, I’m amazed it’s taken so long for games companies to enforce this. The industry does not see any of the money in a second hand purchase, instead it goes to whomever is selling it – be it an individual, or a games store. So in the interest of the creators/producers/corporations who own them, it makes sense to make every person buy their own individual copy of the game…

…But then what’s going to happen to all those discs you own? Looks like manufactures of CD cases and storage shelves will be happy.

Source: Geeks are Sexy

It’s been confirmed by Blizzard that they will be releasing Diablo III on consoles.
Furthermore, the lead designer on the project is none other than Josh Mosqueira, who has worked on Company of Heroes, Homeworld 2 and Far Cry 3 (unreleased).

Now let’s see if we can get some release dates!

Source: The Daily What Geek

One of the UK’s most popular mobile phone operators, O2, have announced that they will be rolling out free wi-fi internet to residents, workers, and tourists across the Westminster and Kensington boroughs of London.
The implementation will begin later this month in Westminster, with full access available in both boroughs soon.

O2 claim the service will be “high-quality”, and they will use pre-existing ‘furniture’, such as lampposts, to host the wi-fi equipment – which will incur no cost to the tax payer.

As a Londoner, and O2 customer, I am dubious as to how good the service will be… mainly because their current 3G capabilities are questionable at times. But it’s free! Which also kind of makes me feel cheated, being an O2 customer and all.

Source: BBC

‘Why has it taken so long to happen?’ I hear you think… don’t worry, I’m thinking the exact same thing. But let’s not get bogged down with what ifs, and why nots. Let us focus on the future, and the future is LORD OF THE RINGS LEGO! Check it out:

VIA The Daily What Geek

Designed by 19 year Hong-Kong design student Jonathan Mak, this image has fast become the most iconic in relation to Steve Jobs’ death, with many fans using it as the background to their iPhones, iPods, and iPads.

VIA Deccan Chronicle

Due to the fact that no-one has any original ideas any more, Hollywood, in its infinite wisdom, has seen fit the need to revitalise the Short Circuit franchise.
But here’s what I don’t understand… Short Circuit 1 and 2 were perfect films. There was actually nothing wrong with either of those movies (unless you count Johnny 5 returning as a gold robot at the end of 2, which was entirely wrong, but cool in the 80′s).
Also, both the films are available on DVD, and were made in colour… so what, I ask, is the need to remake these films?

Any remake will NEVER be as good, due to the fact that it won’t star Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, or Fisher Stevens (the best ever white-man-to-play-an-Indian-man in the world).
I dread to think what third rate “comedy” actors they’ll bring on board for this… not to mention what kind of (undoubtedly) horrid CGI robot they’ll replace the original Johnny 5 with.

The worst thing about all this news? The film is to be directed by Tim Hill, the “genius” who brought you Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Hop. Cinema is officially dead. Thank you Hollywood.

VIA The Daily What Geek

Okay, so here’s the scoop:

NASA are going to be launching the Atlas V rocket this Friday and on board, there will be 3 custom made Lego figures representing the Roman Gods Juno and Jupiter, as well as scientist Galileo.
Apparently the NASA scientists working on the project are huge fans of Lego, and approached the company with the idea of putting Lego figures in space.

Here’s the crazy thing… Lego then went ahead and custom built 3 aluminium figure for NASA at a cost of $5,000 each! A bill that was even footed by Lego. The reason? Well, according to Lego, they feel that by putting the figures into space, it will promote such programs to children.
Now, let me ask you: What child needs any MORE excuses to love sending rockets into space?

Personally I think it’s a way for Lego to sell a ton of space related Lego sets that will more than cover the $15,000 they spent on 3 little men. But hey, it’s Lego, so who cares?
You check out the voyage of the figures at www.legospace.com.

VIA Geekosystem

A recent study carried out by AptiQuant has revealed the average IQ of various browser users. Check it out:

VIA The Daily What Geek

Hi all, in case you have forgotten, tonight is the night of the long-distance pizza party.
I highly doubt my UK cohorts will take part (as they all sleep by 10pm like old ladies); but I’m hoping my US acquaintances (and those from elsewhere around the world) will be getting involved.

The party will start 6PM (Central Time). For full instructions on how to join the party, please refer to the Tumblr page.

We will be watching 2001: Space Odyssey. All I have to do now is pick a pizza to eat…

One of the great things about the internet is the ability to virtually meet people who share common interests with you, without ever having to try to break into a pre-existing social group. It doesn’t matter how weird you are, thanks to internet, you can pretty much guarantee that there is at least someone else like you out there.

It is based on this notion, that I am pleased to announce the following event taking place online for your entertainment:

Below is some more information about this genius event being organised by @babeinarmor:

The Long Distance Pizza Party is a monthly online event. People all over the world are invited to get together, or hang out virtually and eat pizza together, while watching a scifi movie.

During the party, and while prepping for it, send along pizza recipes, photos of you, your pizza, and your friends, plus memes, gifs, and commentary related to the monthly movie to the group tumblr (http://pizza4everybody.tum​blr.com/)!

This month’s movie is 2001, Space Odyssey. (Available on netflix instant watch- but get it however possible!)

6 PM (Central Time) is party start time (subject to change depending on attendees from various time-zones)

6:30 we simultaneously start our movies.

A chatroom will be set up before the party to mingle, talk, set up gaming pairs for after the movie, et cetera!

So please do try and make it – AND invite your friends – there’ll be more information here on 8-bits when it becomes availble; as well as on the Facebook event page; on Tumblr; and on @babeinarmor’s Twitter page.

See you then!