I think it [Blu-ray] has 5 years left, I certainly wouldn't give it 10.

That's not to say Samsung doesn't think the format will do well — but rather, that it won't have legs. Griffiths added that Blu-ray is "going to be huge... We are heavily back-ordered at the moment. Griffiths doesn't go into great depth into what he thinks will bring Blu-ray down.

Samsung: "Blu-ray has 5 years left" [Pocket-lint via Gizmodo]

That would mesh nicely with that rumor from EGM that Microsoft was permitting third parties to manufacture their own Xbox 360 compatible hardware, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, it all sounds like total bunkum.

First, Samsung already has an "X-Series" line of notebook computers. Second, the above television is just a Samsung LNS2652 model LCD HDTV with a quick and dirty Photoshop color swap and an Xbox LIVE logo inexplicably slapped on. That particular model is about two years old and, like all other Samsung LCD TVs has a model number starting with "L." That's not conclusive evidence, but it certainly doesn't help us believe that we're looking at something legit.

Our "source" didn't respond to requests for more information or clarification.

It's true that Samsung and Microsoft have enjoyed a long standing partnership and we don't necessarily doubt the validity of the EGM rumor. After all, Microsoft may believe that an iMac-style hardware approach will get more Xbox 360s in the homes of those looking to jump in to high definition gaming. And they might be right.

We've contacted Microsoft and Samsung to get comment. Consider it rumor (and more than likely a fabrication) for now.

Samsung Unveils Mobile Application for Second Life [koreatimes via Gizmodo]

Samsung SC9540 Vacuum [via ohgizmo]

Unfortunately, the experience of driving in 3D on a plasma television with oversized glasses fails to impress. Samsung claims that with the tech, "you can feel you are in the game" the only feeling I got was one of nausea. The constant flicker and ghosting of your ride doesn't do much for the sensation of depth. It's hard to imagine the product being anything more than a novelty or lending itself to long gaming sessions.. but it's perfect for a five minute distraction at CES!

I'm not quite sure what this is all about, but the Korea Times is reporting that Korean company LG Electronics has teamed up with Sega to show off three new HDTV models at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show.

LG plans to introduce three new full HD TV models up to 60 inches in a joint-promotion with Japanese video game giant Sega. The company will display popular Sega games such as ``Virtua Fighter 5'' and ``Sonic'' on its full HD TVs at the expo.

``This joint promotion will give LG a great opportunity to highlight our advanced displays by showing Sega's full HD content on our full HD TVs," Kim Young-chan, executive vice president of digital display global marketing at LG, said in a release. ``Our customers demand the highest standards in technology, and we will continue to expand our offerings to meet everyone's needs from movie buffs to gamers to companies in need of digital displays.''

The article goes on to say that a general lack of HD content in Korea makes the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 the only viable options right now for true HD content.

I get that, but why wouldn't LG just team up with Microsoft instead of going with a third-party manufacturer? Brian Crecente

Samsung, LG Set Up Duel in Las Vegas [Korea Times, via Rocky Mountain News]

But, as the tag suggests, we're calling it rumor for now. As Giz said, with CES just around the corner, we wouldn't be surprised to see the PSP v2 shown off alongside a PSP price drop. Michael McWhertor

Samsung 60GB Disk Destined for Next Sony PSP? [Gizmodo]
Sony PSP Movie Downloads Coming [Kotaku]

More Here [Xbox 360]

Korean electronics giant Samsung announced that its Blu-ray Player BD-P1000 will be pushed back in until autumn. Recent reports suggested that while the Sony and Pioneer Blu-ray machines had been pushed back, the Samsung unit was still on time. This seems no longer to be the case.

The format was created by electronics dream team Sony, Samsung and Matsushita (Panasonic) and is battling it out with HD DVD for the next-gen format crown. Sony is supposed to release Blu-ray movies in seven days, which can be viewed on a PC Blu-ray drive or a Blu-ray notebook. We're still waiting on the HD TV ready players.

Whether or not these delays are affecting the PS3's planned November release is not known. Brian Ashcraft

Update: Kotaku reader Richard pointed out that the player is delayed in the UK, because big electronic companies hate the Brits. The product is still on schedule for the Yanks. Thank gawd!

More Here [I4U]

Big brother site Gizmodo reports that Sony has quietly pushed back the BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player on its Sony Style website until "on or about August 15, 2006." The player was scheduled for the late June rollout. The first discs will make their appearance then, along with Samsung's first Blu-ray machine. How and if this will impact Sony's Blu-ray computer, the PlayStation 3, isn't yet know. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Gizmodo]

Whether or not Sony will be offering any further tweaks is not yet known. This Japanese article does refer to a "PSP 2," which could simply be a journo mistake (likely) or an inside scoop (not).

Here in English Sans PSP2 [Digitimes] Thanks, David!

This Wednesday, the final round of the WCG started in Singapore. Even though it is one of the largest of its kind, the event does not include PlayStation titles in the competition. According to the Korea Times, Sony feels uncomfortable with the whole setup as the World Cyber Games is organized by a South Korean Samsung subsidiary.

This might be more of a Gizmodo question, but don't Sony and Samsung work together to make LCDs? I am miffed as to why PS games would be excluded, why the Korea Times says Sony is uncomfortable and who this subsidiary is exactly. The reason for all this, I hope, is more than just patriotism.

Find the Article Here [The Korea Times]