Target Strangles Manhunt 2

Looks like Target has stopped selling Manhunt 2. Wow not selling games based on content, next you'll be editing swears out of movies, then selling bibles at the checkout line. Good job Wal-Mar....I mean Target.

"Target strives to provide merchandise that will appeal to a wide variety of guests. We also want guests to be comfortable with the purchasing decisions they make at Target. All video games and computer software sold at Target currently carry ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)--from early childhood through mature audiences. While Manhunt 2 was given a Mature rating by the ERSB, we received additional information that players can potentially view previously filtered content by altering the game code. As a result, we have decided not to carry the game."

Via: Kotaku

Computers for the Poor

Found a Wired article about the mass production of computers that will eb given to kids in third world countries. my favorite bit:

The small yet rugged XOs require low power and can be recharged by hand, have a screen that can be read in full sunlight and boast a user interface designed specially for children

The screen can be read in full sun, which is useful for the kids who don't have homes!!! At least they can surf the net and check out the flikr accounts of people in Florida lying on the beach.

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PS3 Firmware Version 2.0 Released Tomorrow

See, PSN is getting there, it's just taking them a bit longer than 360...

Press Release:
Latest PLAYSTATION®3 System Software Update Allows PSPTM to Turn PS3TM On and Off from Internet Connection for Enhanced Remote Play
Ability to customise XMB™ and add personalised playlists for both music and photos also enabled
London, 8 November 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today the availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system software. Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system via the Remote Play1 function, allowing for a truly mobile partnership between the two systems.
Building on the success and potential of the Remote Play functionality, Version 2.00 will cement the partnership between PS3 and PSP and create a truly global experience. With the ability to turn your PS3 on and off from Wi-fi connection, there is now the opportunity to listen to the music, look at the photos and watch the videos saved on the PS3 Hard Disk Drive, anywhere in the world.
To further enhance the PS3 offering, Version 2.00 allows for the creation of personalised playlists in both the music and photo sections. This simple to use function gives users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists for all occasions, as well as sharing favourite photos in glorious high definition.
Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu screen. Change the colour and brightness with the greatest of ease or have something completely different by setting a custom theme. With the potential for new backgrounds to become available on PLAYSTATION®Network in the future, Version 2.00 truly opens up a whole raft of options.
A host of other enhancements includes the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep people up to date on the latest PlayStation® news, the inclusion of a new PLAYSTATION Network category and logo for easier navigation and Trend Micro Web Security, a free2, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.

This Post Brought to You By Clorox Bleach

Found an article on techcrunch today about facebook integrating more ads into the site, basically turning users in walking advertisements based on what they like:

It is CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s belief that these will become extremely relevant brand advertisements because they are akin to personal recommendations from your friends.

So this is like when people wear shirts from Hollister that say "Hollister" across the front of them. That would be doing the work of advertisers. Facebook has become the web equivalent of a trendy clothing store, only a few select people wore the clothes, then highschool kids started wearing it, and now the store is filled with pricks.

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Web 2.0 is a Battlefield

Found this article this morning about the Web 2.0 expo in Berlin. Check out this quote:

The person who coined the phrase "Web 2.0" in 2005 gave a presentation entitled
"What people still haven't understood about Web 2.0". For instance, he said he has the impression that a lot of people think Web 2.0 is the new digital version of the "Summer of Love". As he points out, the new Web is not so much the home of hippie ideals as of fierce competition. "Web 2.0 is a battlefield where competitors fight tooth and nail."

I think we are in the second wave of the internet boom (hence the 2.0) and that leads me to wonder, will there be the same level of fallout that we saw during the dot-com days?

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