The grumbling about the Wii never seems to let up, or so it seems these days. This time it’s from Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare (and obviously a guy who enjoys high end graphics, if the games his company puts out are anything to judge him by). Here’s what Greg had to state about Nintendo’s little white cash cow in a recent GameDaily interview:

“Experiences [on the Wii] are much more like a toy experience .. they’re playing, together or not, but you’re not ‘gaming’ anymore. . . . If gaming is defined by story, then generally the Wii might not be.”

Now, I don’t think of a toy experience as a bad experience, but I also disagree respectfully with Mr. Zeschuk. Playing a Wii game and playing a PS2 game are still essentially the same action as far as I’m concerned, even if the graphics or content are different — you hold a controller and you interact with an activity or story of some kind. At the point which you begin to pick apart what gaming is or push casual gaming outside of it, labeling it “not real gaming” seems to be an unnecessary segregation.

Ray Muzyka, BioWare’s CEO, disagreed with Zeschuk, saying:

“I think it IS gaming … when you look at a moment to moment experience what a player does on a Wii game, it’s different, lighter, and more toy-like. But there’s also a narrative between the players outside the game and kind of fulfills the same things games do. Games are “toys” in the sense that they’re fun.”

This is a pretty interesting point of discussion, in my sometimes-not-so-humble thought. What do you think — would you call the Wii a toy rather than a console? Is there a line that separates “real gaming” from “casual”?

[Via Bit-Tech.net — Thanks Jonathan]

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On its surface, Planet Moon Studios’ Battle of the Bands offers an experience that is as unique among its peers as it is hard to envision. The idea of taking popular songs and re-imagining them in genres they were never meant to played in is an appealing one. Who wouldn’t want to hear Tag Team’s “Whoomp! There It Is” with a Latin flavor, or Soundgarden’s “Spoonman” performed by a marching band?

Throw in a musical combat element, involving guns and rocket launchers, and it starts to sound like a real winner. My early hands-on of the game were pretty positive. I wrote “it looks to be a fun, incredibly hilarious diversion from the popular peripheral-based titles,” and “I’m pretty sure I’m liking it.”

Now that I’ve had some “alone time” with the game, did it live up to my expectations, or do I cry myself to sleep at night because I can’t get the hip-hop version of “Man of Constant Sorrow” out of my skull? Read on to find out.

source Destructoid

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I caught a glimpse of the AT&T WiFi HotSpot service at the Starbucks down the street from me the other day. And, it seems that AT&T is now officially gearing up to deploy its AT&T HotSpot service across the nation. starting on May 1, AT&T high-speed world wide web and WiFi HotSpot customers get free WiFi access at all AT&T HotSpot locations, including those at Starbucks countrywide.

T-Mobile will be phased out as the WiFi HotSpot provider at all Starbucks locations in the US.

The move will presumably roll out iPhone-specific WiFi portals at all AT&T HotSpot locations.

Full PR on the link.

AT&T Wi-Fi Service to Be Available Soon in U.S. Company-Operated Starbucks Locations With a Wireless Hot Spot; San Antonio Stores First to Deliver Complete AT&T Experience

SAN ANTONIO, Texas and SEATTLE, Wash., April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced the beginning of the rollout of AT&T Wi-Fi (SM) service at company-operated Starbucks stores, kicking off a nationwide effort that’ll continue through 2008. At the 2008 AT&T Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders in San Antonio, chairman and chief executive officer Randall Stephenson announced that the companies have already started the deployment of AT&T Wi-Fi service at Starbucks locations in San Antonio, making it the first market to deliver the complete AT&T Wi-Fi experience in the U.S.

Also, as of May 1, qualifying AT&T high speed World wide web and Wi-Fi customers will have complimentary Wi-Fi access at more than 7,000 Starbucks locations nationwide. For millions of AT&T customers, that means more speed in more places — and for free — is on its way.

“With the power of our Wi-Fi network, and through our partnership with Starbucks, we're strengthening our capability to meet the needs of today's mobile consumer virtually anywhere and everywhere,” Stephenson said. “Expanding our reach across company-operated Starbucks locations nationwide helps us bridge the gap between our wired and wireless offerings and affirms AT&T's commitment to connect people with their worlds, everywhere they live and work.”

“We continue to build on the experience we know our customers expect from us,” stated Chris Bruzzo, chief technology officer, Starbucks. “By partnering with AT&T as our U.S. Wi-Fi provider we aim to deliver a superior value, greater convenience and seamless connectivity in a mobility centric world to our customers.”

As of Might 1, qualifying AT&T customers can connect to the World wide web from Wi-Fi enabled company-operated Starbucks locations nationwide by simply selecting “ATTWiFi” after powering up their computers. Free AT&T Wi-Fi service is currently offered with AT&T's three higher-speed residential broadband packages, all small business broadband packages and with all AT&T U-verse(SM) offerings with high speed World wide web service.

For other customers, AT&T Wi-Fi service will reach company-operated Starbucks locations on a market-by-market basis throughout the year. The experience will include a mix of free and paid connection options for both frequent and occasional Wi-Fi users and qualifying Starbucks customers. Once AT&T Wi-Fi service is available, customers will be able to shop and surf both Starbucks' and AT&T's respective home pages for products and services.

The initiative brings together two of the most recognizable global brands to create a powerful and convenient on the web experience for consumers and business customers. The San Antonio launch delivers on the companies' joint commitment to begin the rollout of AT&T Wi-Fi service this spring.

AT&T is the nation's largest Wi-Fi provider.(1) In addition to offering access from more than 17,000 hot spots in the United States, the company provides Wi-Fi access from more than 71,000 hot spots around the world, including roaming locations.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its Television entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

About Starbucks Coffee Company
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality Arabica coffee in the world. This day, with nearly 16,000 stores and more than 170,000 partners (employees) in 44 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through each cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at http://www.starbucks.com/.

—
Related Articles at IntoMobile:

• AT&T rolls out iPhone specific AT&T HotSpot WiFi login at Starbucks
• Get T-Mobile HotSpot access for FREE!
• AT&T offers BlackBerry Pearl 8110 without WiFi
• AT&T hooks up Riverside, CA with free municipal wifi
• AT&T: BlackBerry 8820 GPS is fully functional, not crippled

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I caught a glimpse of the AT&T WiFi HotSpot service at the Starbucks down the street from me the other day. And, it seems that AT&T is now officially gearing up to deploy its AT&T HotSpot service across the nation. starting on Might 1, AT&T high-speed world wide web and WiFi HotSpot customers get free WiFi access at all AT&T HotSpot locations, including those at Starbucks countrywide.

T-Mobile will be phased out as the WiFi HotSpot provider at all Starbucks locations in the US.

The move will presumably roll out iPhone-specific WiFi portals at all AT&T HotSpot locations.

Full PR on the link.

AT&T Wi-Fi Service to Be Available Soon in U.S. Company-Operated Starbucks Locations With a Wireless Hot Spot; San Antonio Stores First to Deliver Complete AT&T Experience

SAN ANTONIO, Texas and SEATTLE, Wash., April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) this day announced the beginning of the rollout of AT&T Wi-Fi (SM) service at company-operated Starbucks stores, kicking off a nationwide effort that will continue through 2008. At the 2008 AT&T Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders in San Antonio, chairman and chief executive officer Randall Stephenson announced that the companies have already started the deployment of AT&T Wi-Fi service at Starbucks locations in San Antonio, making it the first market to deliver the complete AT&T Wi-Fi experience in the U.S.

Also, as of May 1, qualifying AT&T high speed World wide web and Wi-Fi customers will have complimentary Wi-Fi access at more than 7,000 Starbucks locations nationwide. For millions of AT&T customers, that means more speed in more places — and for free — is on its way.

“With the power of our Wi-Fi network, and through our partnership with Starbucks, we're strengthening our ability to meet the needs of today's mobile consumer virtually anywhere and everywhere,” Stephenson stated. “Expanding our reach across company-operated Starbucks locations nationwide helps us bridge the gap between our wired and wireless offerings and affirms AT&T's commitment to connect people with their worlds, everywhere they live and work.”

“We continue to build on the experience we know our customers expect from us,” said Chris Bruzzo, chief technology officer, Starbucks. “By partnering with AT&T as our U.S. Wi-Fi provider we aim to deliver a better value, greater convenience and seamless connectivity in a mobility centric world to our customers.”

As of Might 1, qualifying AT&T customers can connect to the World wide web from Wi-Fi enabled company-operated Starbucks locations nationwide by simply selecting “ATTWiFi” after powering up their computers. Free AT&T Wi-Fi service is currently offered with AT&T's three higher-speed residential broadband packages, all small business broadband packages and with all AT&T U-verse(SM) offerings with high speed Internet service.

For other customers, AT&T Wi-Fi service will reach company-operated Starbucks locations on a market-by-market basis throughout the year. The experience will include a mix of free and paid connection options for both frequent and occasional Wi-Fi users and qualifying Starbucks customers. Once AT&T Wi-Fi service is available, customers will be able to shop and surf both Starbucks' and AT&T's respective home pages for products and services.

The initiative brings together two of the most recognizable global brands to create a powerful and convenient online experience for consumers and business customers. The San Antonio launch delivers on the companies' joint commitment to begin the rollout of AT&T Wi-Fi service this spring.

AT&T is the nation's largest Wi-Fi provider.(1) In addition to offering access from more than 17,000 hot spots in the United States, the company provides Wi-Fi access from more than 71,000 hot spots around the world, including roaming locations.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United Says and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed World wide web access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

About Starbucks Coffee Company
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality Arabica coffee in the world. This day, with nearly 16,000 stores and more than 170,000 partners (employees) in 44 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for each customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or on the web at http://www.starbucks.com/.

—
Related Articles at IntoMobile:

• AT&T rolls out iPhone specific AT&T HotSpot WiFi login at Starbucks
• Get T-Mobile HotSpot access for FREE!
• AT&T offers BlackBerry Pearl 8110 without WiFi
• AT&T hooks up Riverside, CA with free municipal wifi
• AT&T: BlackBerry 8820 GPS is fully functional, not crippled

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It's not everyday that we see even a modicum of concern from Cupertino regarding public (by which I mean the blogosphere's) opinion on any Apple product. That stated, it's good to see that the newly released iPhone SDK beta could grant applications to run processes in the background - opening the door for true multi-tasking possibilities on the iPhone.

Third-party iPhone application developers have been lamenting Apple's decision to limit applications from running processes in the background, while Apple's own applications (Mail, Safari, iTunes) are granted to keep running while other applications are being used. The restriction would keep applications like Instant Messaging clients and email clients from functioning properly.

But, things are looking up for the iPhone developer community. An anonymous developer has found that the new iPhone SDK beta seems to allow for processes to run in the background.

There are definitely some very interesting methods added to UIApplication’s delegate, including methods for badging the Springboard icon, and methods related to gaining and resigning “active” status - seems like background apps may be permitted somehow.

If Apple is really changing their game-plan for third-party applications on the iPhone, we have the ability to expect to see some truly practical applications hitting the AppStore in a couple months.

[Update]
Further inspection of the new iPhone SDK reveals that third-party applications mayl be allowed to maintain active processes in the background, not actually executing incoming events in the background.

[Via: BGR]

—
Related Articles at IntoMobile:

• Apple iPhone SDK Beta 3 is out!
• What's wrong with the iPhone SDK… and how to get it fixed
• New iPhone SDK Beta out, now with OpenGL ES 3D graphics support
• Apple's iPhone Software Roadmap to unveil iPhone SDK in beta form?
• iPhone SDK beta 2 now available

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