Microsoft upsizes Xbox 360's hard drive for free

Following Microsoft's earlier E3 announcement, the Redmond software giant is finally extending the Xbox 360's free harddisk upgrade to selected Asia markets. Come August 13, the Pro model will be shipped with a free 60GB upgrade across Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. This puts its S$499 (US$358.45) console on yet another offensive drive following its latest price revision, though we believe Sony will respond with a similar 80GB carrot for its entry-level S$599 (US$430.29) PlayStation kit.

To clear its existing 20GB stock, Microsoft is further sweetening the deal with a complementary copy of Gears of War and a second controller. So if you're more than satisfied with the current disk storage capacity, the time is just about right to bag yourself the HD-enabled gaming console at a bargain.

First batch of PS3 "Greatest Hits" now available

Following in the same tradition of every generation of video games, Sony has released the first batch of "Greatest Hits" titles for the PlayStation 3. Originally announced at the company's E3 press conference, the 10 select games will feature a retail price of US$29.99 and come in a special red game case.

The first three games to be released by Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) in the "Greatest Hits" collection are Resistance: Fall of Man, Warhawk, and Motorstorm.

Other titles from non-first-party developers packaged as "Greatest Hits" include Call of Duty 3, Fight Night Round 3, Need For Speed Carbon, Rainbow Six Vegas, Assassin's Creed, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma.

Via CNET Crave

LCD advert booth that smells!

No! Not revolting stench, but rather, mouth-watering aroma of delicious Japanese ramen and crispy tempura. It seems Japan's Recruit and NTT Communication Corp have teamed up to produce an innovative advertising booth that teases our senses unlike traditional media. The prototype currently deployed in the Tokyo subway station not only displays video-style ads through a large 42-inch LCD panel, it also emits appetizing scents of the onscreen offerings to lure unsuspecting shoppers. Even better, it dispenses discount coupons right on the spot just in case you're raring to give the cafe and restaurant menu a try. Yum!

Via Fareastgizmos | Photo credit: Fareastgizmos

Virtual reality treadmill

The concept of combining workout and play is nothing new with games like Wii Sports and Wii Fit coming to mind. But the University of Tsukuba in Japan is pushing the envelope further by throwing in a 270-degree wraparound projection screen for an added sense of realism. Conceived as a physiotherapy waking tool for stroke and related aliment patients, the system comprises three overhead projectors and companion dome mirrors to stitch together an awesome panoramic visual.

The virtual reality treadmill is still in development stage, but we can foresee a lot more tangible applications once it's materialized. Say, military training, home entertainment and even extreme video gaming. That's assuming you're willing to cough out good money for starters.

Via Ubergizmo | Photo credit: Ubergizmo

Olympic games for couch potatoes

Ever wondered in a 100m race if it'll be Mario or Sonic who'll cross the finishing line first? The answer lies in how fast you pump your Wii Remote and Nunchuk up and down to activate your virtual runners. It's funny enough to watch one person frenetically in action, but when you put a group of four together, it becomes synchronized hilarity.

Like the real Games on August 8, you can select a variety of categories in the sports party game Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Besides the title characters, you can also use your own Mii or choose from 14 other characters (Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi and Tails, etc.) to represent you in the game.

While Mario and Sonic are targeted at the casual gamers, the official Beijing 2008 Olympics game designed for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC offer more realistic time- and rhythm-based gameplay. Gamers can either compete alone or challenge up to seven friends online. And if that's not enough, a mobile version of the game is also available.

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