Xbox Live down at Skyrim Hearthfire release [1]
Posted: 04 Sep 2012 04:31 AM PDT
It couldn’t have happened on a more inconvenient day, but right now Xbox Live is down at the exact Skyrim Hearthfire release time, which is not confirmed to be related but also has not been denied either. Early downloaders managed to sign in on their Xbox 360 and start the Skyrim Hearthfire download, which weighed in at just 75MB with a similarly small price of just 400MP.
We have just tried to sign in and get downloading, only to find out that we couldn’t connect to Xbox Live. After a quick look at the official Xbox Live status page you’ll notice problems being reported. You can see a screenshot below that shows that Microsoft are aware of the problem and working to correct the issue, which hasn’t been named.
You won’t be able to sign into Xbox Live from the online website or your console, although we’ll update you as soon as Xbox Live is back up and with any response we get from officials.
Is Xbox Live down for you, and if so what country are you trying to sign in from? We’ve tried in the UK, and have work colleagues in France and the US, all confirming problems signing in.
If you want to know a little more about the story behind Skyrim Hearthfire, then you should see our earlier article [2] that takes a look at this. The lack of Dawnguard on PS3, the first Skyrim DLC, and also the possibility of the second DLC not making it to the PS3 has been explored in this article [3] . There has been mixed reactions, which include some people understanding that there are a number of teams working on different projects, but others just want all the focus to be on fixing the PS3 issue. Feel free to share your thoughts on this.
The biggest problem PS3 owners have is the lack of feedback from Bethesda, and when they did finally give more details hearing that the “PS3 is powerful†and that there could never be a fix, well these words speak volumes. We are sure you’ve seen the official Skyrim Hearthfire trailer, but if not then you can see it here [4] . Have you managed to download the second Skyrim DLC yet, or are you still having problems signing in to Xbox Live?
More About: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, xbox live [5] [6]
For more Product-Reviews.net [7] coverage:
iPod touch 5G with cellular data [8]
Posted: 04 Sep 2012 03:56 AM PDT
Normally we would see Apple try their best to deliver what the majority of fans want in the way of specs, although when it comes to the iPod touch 5G (5th generation) it seems that giving users certain features could cause the device to become too much like an iPhone.
We touched on this very issue before when we looked at the expected new iPhone specs and also how they could be very similar to the iPod touch 5G, but since that article [9] we’ve had a few emails from our readers explaining a need for making the new iPod touch 3G/4G capable for data. It is fair that only adding data, not cellular phone calls, would allow users to keep connected much easier and even allow 3G FaceTime calls with iOS 6.
The iPad does it so why can’t the iPod touch 5G? One of their reasons some people think it will happen is considering the iPad 3 now supports LTE/4G, which also allows for really fast cellular data. This is something that would make the next iPod touch very desirable for users that don’t need a phone so much, and considering the confirmed FaceTime over 3G it would take the abilities of an iPod touch to another level.
Major benefits for 3G/4G iPod touch include surfing the Internet anywhere, sending text messages over cellular data, and of course using Skype or other apps to make calls. It makes sense after looking at the iPad specs, but considering the size of the iPod touch is similar to the iPhone, could this make both the devices too similar?
What iPod touch 5G specs would you like to see? The latest model should see a release date at some point this month, and we’ve heard a few of our readers talk about a 2nd camera for 3G, but we’d love to know what you would like to see on the 5th generation iPod, so hit the comments and let us know. Do you think Apple would make such a move as adding cellular data to an iPod?
Our recent iMac 2012 article also featured an expected product launch schedule for Apple in September and October, which you can see in an image found here [10] . If this is correct then we could see a new iPod before the Apple iPhone event. We are also hearing about a new design for the next iPod touch, which a leaked picture can be seen in this article [11] .
More About: apple, iPod Touch [12] [13]
For more Product-Reviews.net [14] coverage:
Samsung Galaxy S3 brings UK cash substitute [15]
Posted: 04 Sep 2012 03:20 AM PDT
It is still true that cash is king but in a world where most of us are extremely busy, and time is limited, it seems that paying for goods is best done electronically for the convenience alone. The Samsung Galaxy S3 supports NFC, one specification that is not clear for the upcoming iPhone 5, and this allows for the flagship smartphone to integrate with a number of services that includes paying for goods with your Galaxy S3.
Today we are hearing about a new partnership between Orange, Barclaycard, and Samsung, which allows the Samsung Galaxy S3 to benefit from Quicktap NFC technology. This allows UK Galaxy S3 users to make payments with Orange and gives these people the option to credit their device with up to £150 from a card source, although the maximum amount they can spend at any one time is £20.
Where can you use the Samsung Galaxy S3 to make payments in the UK? The list of retail stores is growing, but currently we are aware of EAT, McDonalds, and Marks & Spencer. There are many more shops that support NFC payments, and as we said above this list is growing extremely fast, so expect this technology to be almost everywhere within the year.
The more handsets that support NFC payments the faster this service will be adopted in the UK â€" If the iPhone 5 also supports a form of NFC payment, will be known next week at Apple’s iPhone event [16] , then you can expect this service to increase dramatically thanks to the amount of iPhone owners predicted to upgrade to the latest handset.
£50 for free to early adopters â€" Orange Samsung Galaxy S3 users in the UK can expect the service to go live within the next 24 hours, and we’re hearing that anyone that activates this service within the next 30 days will get £50 to spend for free as an initial promotion.
Do you like this substitute for using cash, and if you own the Samsung Galaxy S3 will you activate soon? Barclaycard’s Tom Gregory has commented on the Quicktap NFC payment option, and states that Barclaycard are “committed†to making this work in a way that speeds up paying for products and services. Time will tell if the service really makes things easier for users, so keep connected to PR as we’ll update you in the future with any feedback.
You can also see a couple of Galaxy S3 videos with Jelly Bean installed in our earlier article [17] , and while some users would prefer Android without TouchWiz, it is worth noting that most people don’t find it a big issue.
More About: samsung, Samsung Galaxy S III [18] [19]
For more Product-Reviews.net [20] coverage:
iOS 6 & iPhone 5 features that innovate [21]
Posted: 04 Sep 2012 02:14 AM PDT
We have spoken about innovation with iOS 6 and iPhone 5 in the past, and this very issue is at the heart of the battle between Apple and Samsung, which saw Apple release a statement [22] explaining how Samsung needs to innovate more rather than copy. Today we are taking a quick look at some of the innovative iOS 6 features that are certain, and also some that are just rumors, although there are a number of people that question if iOS 6 has any innovative features at all.
The new Apple maps will take a “new turn†on what we know about maps on the iPhone, iPad, and other devices that will run iOS 6. The default Maps app has been redesigned from the start, and Apple aims to help you see the world better with elements that are vector based, which means everything will be extremely clear, detailed, and smooth.
FaceTime over 3G/4G will bring much more flexibility when connecting to friends with video chat, even if some analysts are worried it could cause major cellular problems [23] , and we love the way Apple make it easier to decline calls with options for sending to voicemail, reminding you later, or replying with a quick message. These are just some of the innovative features coming to iOS 6, and you can read about more of the disclosed improvements on the official site here [24] .
We also know a number of people that have problems getting out of bed in the morning, even with the iPhone alarm clock, although Apple are planning to create a better way for you to wake up with iOS 6. The default alarm clock application will be upgraded to allow users to select one of their favorite songs, which will be heard when they wake up and could certainly be one that gets you out of bed. If you do have problems waking up in the morning, then we recommend you set one of your most hated songs. You can read more about this upcoming feature in an article [25] from a few weeks back.
Are Apple innovating enough with iPhone 5 and iOS 6? This is the question a number of blogs have raised, and some even question where the innovation is? The CTO of Labor Sync recently commented on this very issue and states that a lot iOS 6 features are already on other platforms, but not necessary in the same package, although this is what Apple has been known for. They take what’s best from other platforms after they take time in testing them, then add all the best features with a couple of twists into their own package. This means iOS 6 could be the best package around, but the innovation might only be the way it’s put together. Have a read of the recent comment by Labor Sync’s CTO below.
We know how Apple like to get in early with certain patents, and one that had been registered in 2010 might be utilized with the 2012 iPhone 5. This patent involves creating a Hologram with the iPhone 5 display, which Apple call a “Three-dimensional display system“, so take a look at the full details on the official patent filing here [26] . This seems pretty innovative to us but we wonder how people Apple fans would want it?
You should see the iOS 6 download go live at some point this month, although considering the Apple press event is next week we could see iOS 6 land sooner rather than later. Will you download iOS 6 before considering the new iPhone 5?
More About: apple, iOS 6 [27] [28]
For more Product-Reviews.net [29] coverage:
Galaxy Note 2 intimacy from Samsung [30]
Posted: 04 Sep 2012 12:38 AM PDT
We have finally had the official unveiling [31] of the Galaxy Note 2 and now Samsung is inviting everyone back for a second look at the 5.5-inch phablet device. The company has released a hands-on video of the Note 2, providing a detailed insight at some of the new features on offer.
First and formost, the Note 2 is massive. Some people are obviously conscious that they don’t want to carry around a brick in their pocket, but as seen with the sheer hype prior to the unveil â€" the majority of consumers actually embrace the added size and can’t wait to get their hands on the device.
At 5.5-inches, the Note 2 is now one of the biggest smartphones on the market, although Samsung waste no time at the beginning of the video by saying that the Note 2 is still ‘extremely portable’. We then get a series of introductions into various features of the device, showing how the likes of Instagram looks on the Note 2 and also ways you can use the S-Pen on the Note 2 with the new AirView preview, when looking at emails and videos.
One of the most pleasing aspects that you’ll see in the video is that the Note 2 is running on the latest version of Android â€" 4.1 Jelly Bean. It means that the Note 2 will really feel like the newest product available when you get it and you won’t have to endure a frustrating wait for official software updates, like we see so often with other Android devices.
If the Note 2 is going to be your next smartphone purchase, it’s a good idea to spend some time to check out this full 13 minute intimate demo from Samsung. Just to remind those of you in the US, you may want to import your Note 2 as it looks like you may have to wait until sales in Asia and Europe are finished first.
Having seen the monster 5.5-inch display up close in the video, are you still happy about the screen size or are you starting to doubt Samsung’s claims about 5.5-inches being ‘extremely portable’?
More About: Android, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 [32] [33]
For more Product-Reviews.net [34] coverage:
FIFA 13 cross play with Vita not happening [35]
Posted: 03 Sep 2012 10:18 PM PDT
If you have been dreaming of the day when you’ll be able to play a game of FIFA 13 [36] online via PS3 and PS Vita at the same time, EA has been swift to kill off any hopes you had. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like cross play matches online are coming any time soon.
After seeing the great cross play potential with the likes of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale [37] being able to seamlessly handle cross play online between console and handheld, many users have been hoping that this extends to other genres as well.
FIFA is a natural fit for cross play and with annual releases of FIFA on the Vita now looking confirmed, cross play between PS3 and Vita would have been an amazing incentive for PS3 users. The actual graphics of FIFA 13 on console are not exactly next-gen quality either so there’s no denying that it could be possible if EA perhaps put more effort in.
EA’s David Rutter spoke in a recent interview [38] with AusGamers saying that the ability to play a cross platform match online won’t be happening anytime soon, although he was more open to the possibility of sharing other game features between platforms.
“So I think as far as actually being able to play head-to-head, or anything like that, I can't ever envisage a time when that would happenâ€
Does this disappoint you to see this stance from EA? Or perhaps maybe we should ask you this instead â€" who is going to buy the PS Vita version of FIFA 13, as well as the PS3 version? Not many. On the other hand, If Sony and EA announced FIFA 13 as the newest addition to the Cross Buy incentive, everyone will be throwing their money at EA.
We’ve seen with PlayStation All-Stars that it is technically possible, so do you think EA simply don’t want to do it, rather than ‘cannot’ do it?
For more Product-Reviews.net [40] coverage:
PS Vita remote play timing crucial [41]
Posted: 03 Sep 2012 09:16 PM PDT
Sony has recently put a smile on the face of PS Vita owners by finally bringing PS1 classics [42] to the system, but the one feature that still eludes users is the ability to universally play PS3 games on the Vita via Remote Play.
It’s no secret that this remains one of the most requested features and arguably the one feature that many PS Vita bought the system sorely for. We’re guessing that Sony continues to work on bringing the feature to users someday and Sony president Shuhei Yoshida has given a massive tease that the feature could be coming sooner rather than later.
He has uploaded an image to his personal Twitter account, confirming that the excellent ICO HD game is running on the Vita via Remote Play streaming from the PS3. ICO if you’re not aware is considered a PS2 classic and was recently released on to the PS3 as an HD remaster along with its ‘spiritual successor’ Shadow of the Colossus.
Yoshida has added that the game looks beautiful on the Vita’s 5-inch OLED screen and hopefully it is positive evidence that ICO and a whole host of other games will be available via Remote Play soon. Personally, we don’t understand the logic in the delay over Remote Play. If Sony announced PS3 streaming across the majority of their PS3 lineup, imagine how many new Vita units they’d sell?
Sony originally announced this as an official feature of the Vita when they showed Killzone 3 all those months ago, so they really need to step it up now and deliver â€" it has been one year since then after all. Does this screenshot of ICO HD running on the Vita excite you?
Let us know what PS3 games you would like to have running on the Vita if and when Remote Play becomes available. Would you be willing to take matters into your own hands like this guy [43] if Sony restricts Remote Play?
For more Product-Reviews.net [45] coverage:
BF3 Armored Kill release time doubt, patch notes 4 [46]
Posted: 03 Sep 2012 07:35 PM PDT
We are now approaching the big day for Battlefield 3 Premium owners on the PS3. The Armored Kill DLC expansion is due to go live within a matter of hours and naturally everyone wants to know what the exact release time will be.
Unfortunately, it appears that even DICE doesn’t even know though, as they have been responding to questions on their official Twitter account stating that there ‘isn’t an official release time’ for Armored Kill.
It’s a bit odd since DICE should roughly have a time themselves when they want the pack to go live, but at the moment they are just redirecting all release time questions to their official website for more information.
Aside from Armored Kill landing, there is also another huge patch coming to accomodate the new content. It also makes significant changes to the base game and there’s definitely some big talking points that is likely to affect the way you next play the game.
For example, they are no longer giving the chopper gunner flares to use, as they believe it is too difficult for soldiers on the ground to lock on with two sets of flares deploying each time. We welcome this change as it makes it a lot more easier to get a successful lock on, while at the same time, making the chopper pilot work even harder to ensure he or she flies low enough to avoid lock ons while their flares recharge.
The other big change that we can see is that they have given a much needed update to the scout helicopters. Now the 4th seat of the scout choppers will act as a CITV station, allowing teammates to lock on to targets using a laser designator â€" providing they have unlocked it for the scout helicopter first. This is an excellent move by DICE in our opinion as it allows the passengers to help the pilot out a lot more, rather than just bailing as soon as you’ve been hit.
As expected, there is the usual multitude of weapon fixes too â€" some you’ll be happy about, others not so much we expect. The popular M16A3 has now been given increased recoil to make it less overpowered, while the M5K has had a much needed damage increase too, which hopefully should make players use the weapon a lot more.
Mobile AA vehicles have been tweaked yet again, with DICE this time saying they were ‘overnerfed’ last time. They’ll now do increased damage to infantry again, while you’ll be pleased to hear that the damage against tanks has also been increased as well.
At the time of writing, both the Armored Kill pack and the Multiplayer update 4 are not live on the PlayStation 3 yet â€" we’ve checked the Asia and US PlayStation Stores. Are you a little disappointed that DICE has said that ‘there isn’t an official release time’? It essentially means that we could be waiting a long time yet until the pack drops. How hard would it have been to give an estimated period at least?
As we wait for Armored Kill to land for PS3 Premiums, let us know your thoughts on this new patch update which is live today across all platforms. The full patch notes are on Battlelog here [47] .
More About: Battlefield 3, EA [48]
For more Product-Reviews.net [49] coverage:
iPhone 5 stacked with prior devices [50]
Posted: 03 Sep 2012 06:44 AM PDT
Another batch of iPhone 5 pictures are making the rounds, which show some of the previous generations stacked with the iPhone 5. These prior devices include the 3GS and 4S, and it is easy to see a number of changes between the models, although these fully assembled photos are yet to be confirmed as real and that outcome won’t happen until after the event next week.
It isn’t the first time we’ve seen different generations of iPhone next to each other, although the majority of claimed iPhone 5 pictures we’ve seen are of parts, and not the fully assembled device. It has been two weeks since we saw the iPhone 5 and 4S side-by-side [51] in a partly constructed fashion. Just two days after that article we saw one of the best iPhone 5 videos so far, which compared the front panel and other parts to its counterparts [52] .
Today we have a collection of photos that appear to show a fully assembled iPhone 5, and the image below shows three devices with the iPhone 5 sandwiched in the middle. The other two are the iPhone 4 and 3GS, which show that the 6th generation iPhone will be much thinner than the 3GS, and even thinner than the last generation.
Everyone states the same iPhone 5 fact, so it must be true â€" the amount of pictures leaked online showing a taller device for the next iPhone, as seen in the photo above, makes us feel it is all but confirmed. Unless Apple are playing a tactical game and have some part to play in the leaks, which we touched on in an earlier article here [53] , but it’s our opinion that a number of these iPhone 5 parts are leaking from accessory makers either by mistake or purposely.
You can see another image above that shows the iPhone 5 with other generations from a side view, although you’ll find a lot more pictures on this website [54] . We’ve looked over the majority of leaks from the last couple of months, and nearly all of them point to the longer iPhone 5 with the same width, but also with a slightly thinner frame as well. This means that’s the final design, and if it isn’t then Apple has produced one of the best diversions in their history of product launches.
The Apple press conference is said to be on September 12, 2012. If this is the case then you will see the invitations sent [55] out within the next two days just as we’ve seen in previous years, and considering the increasing level of leaks appearing online it seems that we are just about ready for the release date later this month. You can also see the redesigned iPhone 5 headphones in an article from earlier today [56] , of course this is just another rumor until Apple confirms every detail at the pending event.
More About: apple, apple iphone [57] [58]
For more Product-Reviews.net [59] coverage:
Links
- ^ Xbox Live down at Skyrim Hearthfire release (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ earlier article (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ this article (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ here (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ xbox live (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Product-Reviews.net (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ iPod touch 5G with cellular data (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ that article (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ here (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ this article (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ apple (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ iPod Touch (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Product-Reviews.net (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Samsung Galaxy S3 brings UK cash substitute (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ iPhone event (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ our earlier article (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ samsung (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Samsung Galaxy S III (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Product-Reviews.net (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ iOS 6 & iPhone 5 features that innovate (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ statement (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ cellular problems (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ here (www.apple.com)
- ^ an article (www.appleinsider.com)
- ^ here (patft.uspto.gov)
- ^ apple (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ iOS 6 (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Product-Reviews.net (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Galaxy Note 2 intimacy from Samsung (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ official unveiling (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Android (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Product-Reviews.net (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ FIFA 13 cross play with Vita not happening (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ FIFA 13 (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ interview (www.ausgamers.com)
- ^ FIFA 13 (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ Product-Reviews.net (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ PS Vita remote play timing crucial (www.product-reviews.net)
- ^ PS1 classics (www.prod
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