GeekSugar

"Noob" May Be Added to the Dictionary: PWN to Follow?

GeekSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:45:17 -0700

Once used to describe new recruits during WWII, the word "noob" (aka n00b) has emerged from the gaming community and into the Internet and beyond (beyond includes jewelry), to describe anyone who is new or green somewhere, often with negative connotations.

It's become more and more well-known to the general public, rather than just the provenance of the MMORPG community, and it's possible its usage is about to skyrocket: the word noob may be the next word to be added to the English dictionary.

If this news from the Global Language Monitor is true, noob will not just be a legitimate word, it'll also be the one millionth - quite a feat for a word that's usually spelled with two zeroes.

Daily Tech: Google's Quick Search Box Comes to IE

GeekSugar — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:32:50 -0800

Windows users can now access Google's Quick Search Box by installing the Google Toolbar in Internet Explorer. - Lifehacker
Here's a helpful list of 10 reasons to buy a Kindle 2 and 10 reasons not to. - CrunchGear
With the current economic situation and global environmental issues, primary focus is now on renewable energy, especially geothermal energy. - Forecast Earth
Here's a new one. Some people who have been playing PlayStation for three or more hours a day are getting a skin disorder which consists of blisters on their hands and feet. - Switched
Designer Harold Terosier has created this Product Red MP3 Player concept device, which features recycled plastic, Bluetooth, a dock station, and a USB port. - Yanko Design

The Tokyo Game Show Kicks Off Tomorrow!

GeekSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:01:05 -0700

Fall is the best time of year for games, not only because it's crunch time for holiday releases, but because of all the yearly gaming conferences! And the biggest one of the year is about to start - the Tokyo Game Show!

Although I couldn't travel to the Land of the Rising Sun for the annual game blowout, I'll still be doing my best impression of being there to round up all the hot and juicy gaming news this expo has to offer. From Capcom to Konami, from games to music, everyone is showing their stuff this week. I can't wait to see what's in store.

What are you looking forward to in gaming this year? Tell us in the comments below!

Do You Play Games on Your iPod/Media Player?

GeekSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:30:34 -0700

With all the ways I could keep myself occupied on the train to and from work – like playing games on my DS, my iPhone, and my PSP – I guess I just plain forgot that I had games on my iPod!

I found myself stuck on the train the other morning after just realizing that I forgot not only my DS, but my iPhone too! It was like I was missing an arm I tell you. To add to the pain, our subway system here is known to run pretty slow during rush hour, and this was one of those days. While I was standing there fidgeting, I realized I still had my iPod, and then remembered that I had a few games on there that could occupy my time while the train was making its way to the station. Granted it wasn't as fancy and involved as Lego Indiana Jones, or Lost, but Solitaire did the job well.

Do you still play games on your iPod or media player?

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My Coveted WipEout HD Delayed Due to Failed Epilepsy Tests

GeekSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:01:01 -0700

I was looking forward to seeing WipEout HD at this year's E3 Summit (since I have had this futuristic racer on my wish list for months), and was kinda bummed when it wasn't shown during Sony's panel discussions. We were told it's because the sleek game was being "packed with extra features," and while that may be true, what might be more true is that the title is failing epileptic seizure tests left, right and center!

The game, which is packed with flashy neon lights and fast moving tracks, has had troubles making it past "go" with testers saying that Wipeout HD "fails the epilepsy tests so much that it has to be re-engineered." No final date was set for WipEout HD's release on the Playstation Network, but Sony Europe's CEO David Reeves says he "thinks" it will hit the market by the end of the year. Bummer!

Source

Emotiv's Headset Gives You Real Life Mind Control

GeekSugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:35:57 -0800

With all the hours I've spent playing City of Heroes, I never thought I'd see the day when my character could laugh along with me after zapping a thug to his demise with my Energy Torrent. Soon, it just might be possible. A company called Emotiv released a headset at the Game Developers Conference this week that uses medical technology to scan the user's brain for electricity (EEG) and promises to make our online characters become a little more lifelike. By interpreting neuron transmitters that fire within our brains, it's possible to mimic a player's facial expressions and use mind control to move objects within the game. Just think of your brain like a second controller! Here's more:

The Emotiv EPOC uses a set of sensors to tune into electric signals naturally produced by the brain to detect player thoughts, feelings and expression. It connects wirelessly with all game platforms from consoles to PCs. The Emotiv neuroheadset now makes it possible for games to be controlled and influenced by the player's mind.

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The EPOC is said to be priced at an "affordable" $299 for the ultimate gamer, and a limited edition of the neuroheadsets will be shipping in time for 2008's holiday season. For a video previewing how it actually works, read more

Girl Gamer Mag: Educational or Downright Disturbing?

GeekSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:20:58 -0800

After seeing the The Girl's Guide to Gaming Handbook, I was totally prepared when I saw this Girl Gamer mag by Nintendo. The pink title, the pink DS Lite, pink lipstick, it's all starting to look the same! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy so I can examine the goods, and see if it actually has some substance underneath its pastel pink cover (although I must admit, its not half as bad as the Gaming Handbook).

Discussed on the gamer site Kotaku, this magazine is said to be the second free issue distributed by Nintendo in the UK and will become available to avid girlie-gamers this March.

LC Admits She Isn't a Gamer

GeekSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:02:06 -0800

Lauren Conrad may be your favorite phone obsessed celebrity of 2007, but she certainly isn't an avid gamer-chick. At a recent video game event in LA, LC revealed her and sidekick Audrina's gaming style by saying, "We're not gamers, but we like playing games." I get the feeling that Lauren is talking about a whole different kind of game-playing!

Greg Grunberg from Heroes was also asked about his gaming habits and admitted that he loves playing video games and is currently obsessed with Halo 3. To see what other games the stars are loving right now, check out the video below!

Source

Surgeons Are Being Prescribed Serious Face Time With the Wii

GeekSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:30:54 -0800

Let's just hope that if you ever need surgery, your MD is an avid gamer! USA Today is reporting on a study performed by the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, which found that surgical residents who got their game on for an hour before diving into virtual surgery scored 48 percent higher on tool control and performance. This isn't the first time we've heard of hospitals incorporating the Wii into their practices: Rehab and physical therapy physicians have already been successfully using the Wii to remedy movement and balance issues.

However, not all games offer the same benefits. Titles like Marble Mania, where the player uses calculated and small movements with the Wii Remote, are better than, say, Super Mario Galaxy or Wii Sports. Unfortunately, saving the galaxy and perfecting your golf swing do not directly affect your ability to perform open heart surgery. Who knew? If you want to get in on some surgical action of your own, check out Trauma Center. It may just tide you over until you finish med school.

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The Girls Guide To Gaming Handbook

GeekSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:00:21 -0700

When I was younger and Nintendo obsessed, my sister brought home a copy of the Super Mario Bros. 3 secret tips book. The book became our bible as we'd study it for hours on end trying to conquer shortcuts and cheats. Let's just say that we not only saved the princess but we had about eighty lives to do it in!

Well Black Dog Media has just come out with a modern day book of Nintendo DS Lite hints, cheats and tips called The Girls Guide To Gaming. Discussed on Kotaku, this book is guaranteed to help you improve your game-a must have for Nintendo DS and DS Lite gaming girls.

The book is available from the UK for £7.49 (approximately $16).