AMBX FRAGS QUAKECON 2007

Dallas, TX, USA - Philips amBX today unveiled an amBX-enabled multiplayer demonstration of id Software's QUAKE 4, which will be available for both the press and public to play on a dedicated amBX booth at QuakeCon, Dallas, USA, from 2nd to 4th August 2007.

QuakeCon is a free convention held every year in the Dallas area where PC gamers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to play on a giant gaming network in one room together, see the latest technology and compete in world-class tournaments. Volunteer run, QuakeCon is sponsored by id Software, makers of the hugely popular and successful DOOM, QUAKE and Wolfenstein series of games.

Shorthand for 'ambient experiences', amBX revolutionises the gameplay experience by extending the gaming world out of the screen and into the real world. amBX delivers a full 'sensory surround experience' by equipping game developers with a tool box to use light, colour, sound and even air flow through enabled devices, including the Philips amBX PC Gaming Peripherals range of LED colour-controlled lighting capable of representing 16 million different colours, rumble peripherals and variable speed desktop fans.

The Philips amBX team has crafted a mod for QUAKE 4 which, when played with amBX peripherals, will see fans, lights and rumble effects, including 360 degree environmental lighting, form an integral part of the gameplay. Players running and jumping in the game will actually feel the air move around them and the effect of landing and impacts. Weapons will generate custom effects, including surrounding light, rumble shudder and fan blast effects from the rocket launcher. On a more subtle level, rear view lighting is darkened when players use a weapon scope mode, to draw players into the sniper frame of mind. On the receiving end, damage feedback is displayed through a multi directional red light blood splatter and bullet impact vibration. Finally, power and pick ups are represented through different light effects, including a light blue aura for Quad Damage, pulsing red for Regeneration, a fast yellow pulse for Haste, green light for Health and blue light for Mega Health.

"Multiplayer gaming doesn't come any bigger than QUAKE and QuakeCon is our chance to show the world just how awesome FPS multiplayer gaming can really be with amBX," commented Jo Cooke, Chief Marketing Officer, Philips amBX. "Fragging will reach a whole new dimension with light, wind and rumble effects taking in-your-face explosions right out of the gaming screen and into the hall at QuakeCon."

"With thousands of the most enthusiastic gamers from all around the world attending, QuakeCon is a fantastic venue to introduce new game technology, " said Todd Hollenshead, id Software's CEO. "We are excited about having Philips as a new QuakeCon partner this year and seeing attendees duel it out in heads up QUAKE 4 matches enhanced by Philips' exciting new amBX technology. "

The amBX-enabled QUAKE 4 will be in good company as QuakeCon 2007 will be ground zero for never-before-seen gaming competitions, with the first official tournament using id Software's new landmark game, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars and the first ever "Quad Damage" tournament spanning all four QUAKE games.

Philips is setting a global standard by licensing the amBX technology to computer game developers, publishers and peripherals manufacturers including Codemasters, THQ, Introversion, Gearbox Software, Zombie, Riot Games, Brain in a Jar, Invictus Games, Instinct Technology, Kuju, Revolution, Sumo Digital, Rivers Run Red, Philips Peripherals & Accessories and SpectraVideo.

Philips is currently in the closing stages of agreements with a number of other high profile companies regarding amBX-enabling all kinds of games.

Finally a solution to the Xbox 360 disc scratching problem that doesn't involve tedious "not moving the console when you are playing the game." Zoozen, a company that in my head is best known for helping incarcerated animals achieve inner peace, has announced the release of the Zoozen Protector. The Protector consists of three foam pads that are applied to your 360's optical drive tray through an innovative installation method that involves blowing, which is always fun. You apparently place a disc shaped applicator into your drive, attach a straw, close the drive bay, and harness the power of the wind to do your dark bidding. I've posted a bit of the instruction sheet off to the right there, in case anyone is confused.

The Zoozen Protector should be heading to stores as I write this. For only $7.50 you can protect your precious discs while reliving your NES slot-blowing glory days. Their full press release follows, complete with original misspelling of their website URL. Michael Fahey

Prevent your Xbox 360 Discs from Scratching with Zoozen Protector!

Three expertly created easy to install soft foam pads which prevent Xbox 360 discs from scratching, even while tilting the console during play!

December 21s 2006, Next generation gaming comes at a greater cost which results in greater valued being placed on the protection of video game discs. The Xbox 360 has been no stranger to owners witnessing the console scratching game discs in particular reference to when the console is moved. The Zoozen 'protector' provides a simple and effective solution which ensures that no discs will be scratched while in play. Gamers can now shift the Xbox 360 from a horizontal to vertical position and vice versa without fear of disc scratching. Better yet, the installation of the 'protector' will not void the warranty of the console.

The Zoozen protector includes three innovatively created easy to install soft foam pads which attach to the top of the optical drive tray. The pads can be installed by even the most amateur of gamers within two minutes and will ensure the security of any disc media while in play. Gamers can now rest assured that their expensive games will not be susceptible to any form of scratching even under the most dynamic of conditions.

The Zoozen 'Protector' is now shipping and retails for a price of $7.45. Retail and distribution inquiries are welcome, and media samples are available upon request. For further information on the Zoozen 'Protector' please contact press@zoozen.com.

About Zoozen

Zoozen is an innovator of quality consumer electronics. With main development offices in Hong Kong, Canada and France, Zoozen truly understands the needs of consumers on a global scale. The official website for Zoozen is located at www.zooozen.com.

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Or try their real page, at Http://www.ZooZen.com

Chances are if you've ever owned or played a NES, you've experienced the blinking screen or have had trouble playing your games. The cause for all these problems is bad electrical connections between your game cartridges and the NES console caused by dirt, corrosion or broken copper contacts.

With a little patience, you can restore your NES and games to a like-new condition. This guide will help you disassemble your console and show you the areas you need to focus on when cleaning and reconditioning. No electronics skills are needed to follow this guide.

This article by a mysterious benefactor named Josh Boudreau is truly philanthropic, and will hopefully stay up forever. Step-by-step instructions, including photographs, that make it gloriously easy to get your cute little NES back in action.

And because this post is pretty short, I'll also tell you that this image is what I found when I Googled "Broken NES". He is apparently an electronic music dude. I tried to listen to his stuff but all his links were broken.

NES Console Repair [Kfoo.net, via Aeropause]

Kyle Cease is a stand-up comic who probably needs to pause for breath a little bit more and let the jokes sink in a bit, but he's got a very funny bit on the original Nintendo Entertainment System. He invites us to imagine a world where every thing, not just the NES cartridge slot, could be fixed by puckering up your lips and blowing. I think me and my girlfriend already live in that world. Florian Eckhardt