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Sony says European Home Beta will start ‘very shortly’
August 8, 2008 by Alan
Filed under Gaming, Online Games, Sony Playstation 3

There has been fresh news from the official US PS Blog post stating that the European Home beta will start ‘very shortly’. This is great news for European owners as it looks like they won’t get left in the dark once the beta also begins in the US.
The post written by Home director Jack Buser stated, “In Europe, SCEE is beginning their expanded closed beta directly targeting consumers who have been most active on PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store. SCEE will be in email contact with their PSN audience very shortly.”
So after all the delays it finally looks as if Sony are getting Home up and running, and judging by the EU and US betas, they will hopefully be ready for full release soon, for those of you who are hoping to get chosen, now might be the time to start getting active on your PSN accounts!
Also stated in the blog were details on how US owners can get in on the beta. Rather than judge it on activity, PSN users will simply just have to download a Playstation Home theme from the store, that in sense being an application for your chances of getting in.
Stay tuned for more news on Home.
Source: Read
New Sony PS3 Videos: Playstation 3 Home and Life
June 30, 2008 by Mark
Filed under Electronics, Game Video & Trailers, Gaming, Sony Playstation 3

This is all about the Playstation 3 Home and Life and below we have two videos for you to watch, the first video is about the “New Playstation Home Trailer” which shows new footage of what you can do within the game.
The Playstation 3 Home and Life video shows you spaces, few sports like bowling, golf and pool oh and some clothes, at the end of the video it says “Hope to see you here”. Now all the talk about “Home” is the delays this delays that and we say quit the moaning because look at it this way, if they keep on delaying it that means Sony are having problems and we do not want to be in the “Home” to have nothing but problems, to us delays after delays is a good thing because Sony want perfection, so all in all worth the wait. This is going to be great for meeting people, relaxing in a relaxed world.
Now moving onto the second video, Playstation Live is a brand new service where you see the earth like you have never seen before for news and how the weather is; it will be released at the end of the year. Many gamers are saying that it is a Google Earth rip-off which is pretty funny really considering it looks nothing like it, some are saying it is another feature of the Wii that they copied, not sure I understand what they are on about but hey I am only publishing what people are saying.
Please watch the videos below then come back and give us your personal views please.
The future of the Playstation Network: Is ‘home’ the next big thing?
June 20, 2008 by Alan
Filed under Gaming, Sony Playstation 3

With the release of upcoming firmware 2.40 which will finally bring the In-game XMB to PS3 gamers, the interesting question is what lies ahead for the future of the Playstation Network. Many of you gamers out there have come out and said that currently Microsoft’s Xbox Live service is leading the way in terms of features and popularity compared to that of Sony’s PSN. In a previous article, we now know that firmware 2.40 will bring in-game XMB and a ‘trophy’ system which I’m assuming will compete with Xbox Lives’ achievements. Sony is trying to close the gap it seems, but with the ‘advantage of gamers having free access to PSN and with the long awaited application ‘Home’ on the way, It could appear that the PSN could be beginning to win over gamers who have previously been reluctant to make comparisons.
Over at talkplaystation.net, they ask what features can be implemented into PSN to make it stand out compared to XBL. Here are some of the ideas that they have suggested:
- Advance invite system. Although you can invite friends while in game before you start a game but Home features a more advance invite system where it will launch the game and jump straight in automatically.
- A new user friendly interface
- More content. PSN needs more content and XBL currently has more and gets more every week.
Follow the link below for the full article. It will be interesting to see what move Sony makes after releasing firmware 2.40. Let us know what new features you would like to see on the PS3.
Source: Read
Sony Media and Events Home Venue, how good is virtual re-run of PlayStation Day 2008?
May 28, 2008 by Mark
Filed under Gaming, News, Sony Playstation 3

It is bad enough living in the real world not alone a virtual one, virtual worlds give people more confidence than the real world so to boost Sony Home Beta users with more love and confidence they were invited to try out the all new Home venue.
It is all about “Media and Events” and this space is basically a recreation of the PlayStation Day event which was held in London a few weeks ago, Sony in the future are looking at using the space to host things from new unveilings to fashion shows and sports events and when this happens it could mean big business. The PlayStation Day decoration of Media and Events area includes many elements from the real world event for example photographs and artwork from the show. This new area will include massive screens where the keynote was broadcasted for beta users to see, there was also a video stream of all the stunning action from the real world PlayStation Day.

Sony have said that following the test events success “Home” will indeed start scheduling more elaborate and exciting productions for the Space and that these will not only be available to first party developers but to third party companies as well. This is great news when you think about it because all gamers will get to experience all of the trade shows and events throughout the year right down to exclusive announcements within the virtual world of Home.
Do you think we actually need a virtual world like Home? Oh and when will we actually see Home on our PS3?
Source - thesixthaxis.com
Moveable Swimming Pool Floors From Technology Pool
March 17, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Gadgets, Garden, Home and Garden

If you’ve always wanted a pool in your yard but don’t have the sprawling gardens of a mansion, you’ll be pleased to know there is new technology that will allow you to have a pool without taking up space!
Technology Pools have introduced their innovative Movable Floors which allows you to own a pool without it taking over your garden. With a touch of a button, an entire pool floor is adjusted to any water depth or becomes level to the pool surround creating a solid floor!
Technology Pools can create a floor system for a new or existing pool, so you can have the luxury of a pool without it taking up your whole garden!
The Washup By Sevin Coskun

In this eco-conscious world we live in, it’s exciting to see what environmentally-friendly gadgets people come up with. This latest gizmo has to be my favourite as it finds a use for the litres of water that run down the drain every time you use your washing machine.
Instead of wasting all that water, Washup will put it to good use. This great gadget, designed by Sevin Coskun, consists of a washing machine with an integrated toilet flush. The washing machine if fixed above the toilet and the waste water is then used to flush the toilet!
It’ll certainly go down well with eco-lovers, but I’m not sure many people will take to washing their smalls while sitting on the loo!
New video footage from the Sony PS3 HOME presentation
March 17, 2008 by Peter
Filed under Game Video & Trailers, Gaming, Sony Playstation 3

Here we have some new video footage from the Sony PS3 HOME presentation, and going by what I have seen I think it will get boring very fast.
People are saying that it is just a rip of to the Sims, however can you talk to real people like you can on Home.
Knitted Cotton Backpacks From BlaBla
March 14, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Clothing and Accessories

You’ve got to admit, kids get some awesome stuff. From toys to fashion it’s hard not to fall in love with the cute things that are available to kids. Take these knitted cotton backpacks from Blabla in Atlanta, Georgia for example. Not only are they hideously cute, but their fun and fashionable too!
These backpacks are lined inside so your little one can safely transport their lunch box in these cool designs.
The Boxcooler Backpack By Sebastian Bertram
March 14, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Home and Garden

If you love the outdoors and having picnics but hate warm, soggy sandwiches this Boxcooler backpack fridge is the solution. Turning the traditional cooler design on its head the backpack, designed by Sebastian Bertram, features Thermoelectric Peltier elements instead of the traditional freezer batteries.
The backpack also comes with pockets for picnic essentials such as knives, forks, spoons and a foldable cup. You can either carry it like a normal backpack or fix it to the back of the headrests in your car.
Vintage Seating Solution: The Sunball Lounge Chair
March 14, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Furniture, Home and Garden

Looking for a unique seating solution? If you’re a fan of the retro look, this Sunball lounge chair is perfect. Originally designed by Ris and Selldorf during 1969-1971, this lounge chair consists of two moveable spherical shells which can be opened and closed. The chair has been made in lacquered fiberglass, reinforced polyester, ABS plastic, aluminium and fabric.
To own a piece of vintage luxury, be prepared to shell out a cool $60,000.
The Lounge Shower Head by Newform
March 12, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Bathroom & Toilet Gadgets, Home and Garden

If you want to update your bathroom, why not get this Lounge shower head by Newform. It may look like just another showerhead but looks can be deceiving. The luxury shower head comes rocking a raining jet, chromotherapy, radio, acoustics cases and digital keyboard with pressure control!
No word on the pricing just yet, but I don’t think you’ll find it at any bargain DIY stores!
The HANNSMilano Handbag TV From HANNSpree
March 12, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Electronics, Televisions

Now, there have been some crazy TV’s out there but this one is certainly different. This handbag-inspired TV by HANNSpree apparently represents the resilience of a modern woman!
The HANNSMilano boasts a 9.6-inch screen LCD TV and comes has a genuine leather exterior with intricate detailing and a carry strap to add to the authenticity! This Handbag TV will set you back around £130.
Personally, I think this TV is really ugly, but what do you think?
French Maid Skirt PC Case

Now, it may not be my cup of tea but for some of you boys out there you may love this PC mod! If you fancy a bit of french, why not get this Maid Skirt PC case?
With just a Mini-ITX motherboard, the Maid Skirt PC case comes with no hardware included. The PC comes in two versions - Original Version and the Maid Station Version with ‘Maid Station’ logo branding.
The French Maid Skirt PC Case Mod can be yours for around $499. I personally think it looks tacky but there must be someone, somewhere who digs it!?
New Home footage: will it change anything for the Sony PS3
March 11, 2008 by Peter
Filed under Game Video & Trailers, Gaming, Sony Playstation 3

So many people are saying that Home will change the Sony PS3, however there are a number of people who doubt this. Here is some new footage of Home, forgive the poor quality.
If Home will allow you too talk with Bluetooth this will be a cool feature. There are some out there who say that Home is just a Sims rip off.
So will Home change anything on the Sony PS3?
The New DF Multi 60” X2 Soundbar From Artcoustic
March 10, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Home Audio, Speakers

The latest offering from Artcoustic’s speaker range is their high-end sound bar christened the DF Multi 60” X2. The soundbar consists of three separate speakers all bundled together in one cabinet. This means it can be used as a 3 channel speaker system or as a single powerful center channel.
At just 7.9 inches high, the cabinet is quite small but at 59.1-inches wide it’s big enough to complement larger LCDs and plasmas. The cabinet comes in black, silver or white and the grill comes in eight other colours.
The new soundbar is set to cost around $3,400.
The Single Person Cooker

Cooking for one is never usually enjoyable, unless you’re using a Single Person Cooker. Designer Alex Bradley has developed a prototype for a compact cooker that combines a chopping board, utensils, and a Wi-Fi-enabled screen which allows users to look up recipies on the internet!
Bradley has said that he intends to promote Single Person Cooker as a way to let bachelors and those living alone prepare healthier meals. To some, it may seem like if you’ve got one of these you’ve totally given up on finding love. The Daily Mail Ideal Home Show obviously didn’t as they made the design one of the 31 finalists in their Concept Products competition.
For more information, click here.
The Best Commuter Cup
March 7, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Drinking Gadgets, Home and Garden

If you have a long commute in the mornings, it’s not unusual to want to take a cup of tea or coffee with you for the journey. The thing is, most commuter cups on the market these days aren’t great quality. Many of them leak, or are unable to keep your drink hot. That’s where this Commuter Cup comes in.
After pouring your drink of choice into the cup and securing the lid, your beverage is completely secure in the cup. By pressing the button on the lid, you’ll be able to sip from anywhere on the rim - far superior to the narrow spouts many cups come with.
In a test, once the cup was closed, analysts were able to turn the commuter cup upside down and shake it vigorously without spilling a drop! The cups dual wall design and vacuum insulation ensure your drink stays at the perfect temperature while preventing the transfer of heat or cold to the exterior.
For more information, or to buy, click here.
The Transforming Cube Chair
March 4, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Furniture, Home and Garden

If you like dual-purpose furniture, you’ll love this Cube Chair. Looking like an ordinary wood cube case from the outside, the Cube Chair unravels to reveal a hidden, super comfortable chair!
The Cube Chair is made from wood, aluminium and leather and will be a great talking point in your home. You can customise the colour of the wood and leather to ensure the Cube Chair goes with the rest of your furniture.
At $3,750, the Cube Chair isn’t cheap, but it’s the novelty you’re paying for!
The 520XMaster Blitzgrill: Ready For Action In 5 Minutes
March 4, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Garden, Home and Garden

With BBQ season on the way, everyone is looking for the latest in garden gadgets. The new 520XMaster Blitzgrill is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to wait long for their charred sausages!
The BBQ comes with a 9.2kw gas burner which gets the grill ready to cook in less than 5 minutes. It’s cast-iron barbeque plate is easy to clean and the gorgeous design by Ralph Kraeuter will look good in anyone’s back yard.
The easy-to-use Blitzgrill will set you back around $700.
Stylish Studio Crib By Nurseryworks
March 4, 2008 by Lucy
Filed under Furniture, Home and Garden

If you’re looking for a stylish cot for your newborn, the elegant Studio Crib would suit you. Combining style and comfort, it’ll will not only look great in the nursery, but it will keep your baby comfortable.
The crib frame has an integrated changing table and hideaway cabinet giving you everything you need in a third of the space. The crib has a fixed rail for protection, under crib draw and a three-point adjustable mattress height.
If that wasn’t enough, the crib converts to a toddler bed when you’re little one outgrows the crib! So it’s total value for money.
The Studio Crib comes in a classic white and wood veneer finish but there are six other playful colours to choose from.
Priced at $1,780 the Studio Crib is definitely value for money.

