Apple Replacing Google Search with Microsoft Bing on iPhone?

[Update: 11:11AM PST] Apple’s iPhone is the most popular consumer smartphone on the market, while Google’s search engine is the leader in that space. They’re two great tastes that go great together, right? Wrong! Since Apple and Google are competing in more and more areas, the war between the two is getting ugly. The latest rumor is that Apple is in talks with Microsoft to use Bing as the default search engine on the iPhone. According to BusinessWeek:

Apple is in talks with Microsoft to replace Google as the default search engine on its iPhone, according to two people familiar with the matter. The talks have been under way for weeks, say the people, who asked not to be named because the details have not been made public.

You know things are getting nasty when Apple is enlisting the aid of Microsoft. *sigh* On a macro level, I wish Apple and Google would knock it off. I like several products from both companies; I don’t want to choose sides. On a micro level, I don’t care for Bing. A few of my friends swear by it, but I’ve been pretty unimpressed so far. Plus, I’m just used to Google’s search results.

What do you think of the news? Would you be irritated by Bing being the default search engine on your iPhone or iPod Touch?

Update: A reader just reminded me that Bing is the only search engine available on several Verizon phones. This might be a stretch, but perhaps iPhone 4.0 software has Bing as the default to make way for a future Verizon product?]

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Coffee Talk #69: Sony’s Sex Toy of Doom and You

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Bret Favre doing “Pants on the Ground”, what late night show you’ll be hosting in five years, or the excellent Boxing After Dark (B.A.D.) show on HBO this Saturday, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Sony’s sex toy of doom (or motion controller, if you will) for PlayStation 3 has been getting a lot of press lately. Yesterday there were a strong rumor that its official name will be PlayStation Arc. Today Sony has announced that the product will be delayed until Fall 2010. I think the delay is actually a good thing — a very good thing. My sources have raved about the hardware, but few of them have told me about software that would compelling for enthusiast gamers.

A few of you have brought up games you’d like to see on the PlayStation Arc (of the Covenant?). Boom Blox was an interesting pick, but I don’t think that’s enough. Sony needs something new and original for its motion controller to succeed. Today I wanted to ask you — as an enthusiast gamer — what kind of games would make you buy one.

Sony’s motion controller is a potentially huge product that could greatly broaden the appeal of the PlayStation 3. The big conditional is that without compelling software, it could be a monumental flop. Game developers are going to determine the fate of this thing, no doubt.

What would make the best hero software for Sony’s motion controller? Do you want the standard sports package, like Wii Sports, but with more fidelity? Do you want something more hardcore, like a first-person shooter? Would a motion-controlled Resistance work for you? Maybe you want something totally fresh and original? Or will you be unimpressed no matter what Sony does with this product?

A Quick Fix for Google Nexus One 3G Issues?

Some Google Nexus One owners have been complaining about an issue with the phone constantly switching between Edge and 3G signals. The problem drains battery life, impacts call quality, and affects data throughput. One well known tech blog was able to solve the problem by changing a few settings. Here’s the fix from jkontherun:

In “Settings,” I went to “Wireless & networks.” Look for the “Mobile Networks” option at the bottom of this listing. The next screen has a “Network Operators” section — tap it. Your Nexus One will search for compatible GSM networks in the area. Once it’s complete, you’ll see the choices, which will consist of T-Mobile and/or AT&T. You’ll also see a choice to Select Automatically — tap it and your phone should say “Registered on network.” That’s it. That’s all I did and I immediately saw the phone jump from EDGE to T-Mobile’s fast 3G network.

As I mentioned in another story, I was fairly certain that the problem was on the software side. This quick fix indicates that my assessment is correct and I should get a Nobel Prize of some sort. If you happen to have a Nexus One and have been plagued by the frequency switching issue, please let me know if this fix works for you.

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Game Developers Choice Awards Nominees Announced

Think Services has announced the nominees for the tenth annual Game Developers Choice Awards. The awards show takes place during the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. This year’s ceremony will take place on March 11, 2009. As expected, Uncharted 2 is up for several awards. Once again, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 was completely snubbed (what the hell is wrong with you awards people?!?).

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this year’s selections. And the nominees are….

Best Game Design
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Rocksteady)
Assassin’s Creed 2 (Ubisoft Montreal)
Flower (Thatgamecompany)
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog)
Plants Vs. Zombies (PopCap)

Best Visual Art
Borderlands (Gearbox Software)
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog)
Assassin’s Creed II (Ubisoft Montreal)
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Infinity Ward)
Flower (Thatgamecompany)

Best Technology
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Infinity Ward)
Red Faction: Guerrilla (Volition)
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog)
Killzone 2 (Guerrilla Games)
Assassin’s Creed II (Ubisoft Montreal)

Best Writing
Brutal Legend (Double Fine)
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Rocksteady Studios)
Dragon Age: Origins (BioWare)
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog)
Halo 3: ODST (Bungie)

Best Audio
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog)
Dragon Age: Origins (BioWare)
Rock Band: The Beatles (Harmonix)
Flower (Thatgamecompany)
Brutal Legend (Double Fine Productions)

Innovation
Scribblenauts (5th Cell)
Flower (Thatgamecompany)
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog)
Plants Vs. Zombies (PopCap)
Demon’s Souls (From Software)

Best Debut
The Maw (Twisted Pixel)
League Of Legends (Riot Games)
Spider: The Secret Of Bryce Manor (Tiger Style)
Torchlight (Runic Games)
Zeno Clash (ACE Team)

Best Downloadable Game
Plants Vs. Zombies (PopCap)
Trials HD (RedLynx)
PixelJunk Shooter (Q Games)
Shadow Complex (Chair Entertainment)
Flower (Thatgamecompany)

Best New Social/Online Game
Restaurant City (Playfish)
Farmville (Zynga)
Dungeon Fighter Online (Neople/Nexon)
Free Realms (Sony Online Entertainment San Diego)
Bejeweled Blitz (PopCap)

Best Handheld Game
Scribblenauts (5th Cell)
Flight Control (Firemint)
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (Rockstar Leeds/Rockstar North)
Spider: The Secret Of Bryce Manor (Tiger Style)
Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo EAD)

Game Of The Year
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Naughty Dog)
Dragon Age: Origins (BioWare)
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Rocksteady Studios)
Demon’s Souls (From Software)
Assassin’s Creed II (Ubisoft Montreal)

Reminder: Vandal Hearts Coming to PSN and Xbox Live

I usually hate using an entire blog post to talk about one game being released, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew that Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgement will be available tomorrow through PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. A prequel to the original game (for PlayStation and Saturn), this delightful tactical RPG will appeal to fans of Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea. I absolutely love this genre, so I’m thrilled whenever a new release is available.

Anyone else hyped for this game? Or is it just me?

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Sony’s Motion Controller to be Called PlayStation “Arc”?

Whether you’ve called it the Gem, Sphere, or Sony’s sex toy of doom, it looks like you’ll have to throw away those old monikers because Sony’s motion controller is rumored to have an official name: PlayStation Arc. According to VG247:

VG247 has it on good authority that Sony has named its PS3 Motion Controller “Arc”. The information comes from a concrete source speaking under conditions of strict anonymity.

Personally, I don’t care what it’s called. I just want the frickin’ thing to come out! Several of my developer friends have used it and they’re extremely impressed by its fidelity. I’m certain the tech will be impressive, but I want to see how developers translate that into fun.

A lot of you hate the Wii and its motion controls, but are you willing to give PlayStation Arc a shot?

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Aliph Unveils Jawbone Icon Bluetooth Headset with MyTalk

Aliph has announced its latest Bluetooth headset in its lauded Jawbone line — the Jawbone Icon. The design is shorter and fatter than previous models, while the excellent noise cancellation is allegedly improved. The most notable addition is MyTalk, which lets users update and customize features via downloadable apps. Here’s a snippet from the press release:

Aliph — maker of the market-leading Jawbone Bluetooth headset and inventor of NoiseAssassin, the world’s first and only military-grade noise-eliminating technology — today unveiled its most sophisticated product yet, Jawbone ICON. Jawbone ICON offers unprecedented ease of use and audio quality as well as an industry-first software platform called MyTALK that lets users personalize and update their Jawbones via the web. Jawbone ICON will be available for $99.99 beginning January 18 in six unique design personas.

I’m a big fan of Aliph’s products and currently use a Jawbone Prime with my PlayStation 3 and mobile phones. Provided you can achieve a good fit, there isn’t a Bluetooth headset I’d recommend more. The Icon seems like an incremental upgrade on the hardware side, with some interesting potential through MyTalk.

Out of curiousity, what Bluetooth headsets do you ladies and gents use?

Questions Wanted for SwitchGames Jason Crawford

I’m meeting up with SwitchGames (a peer-to-peer service for trading games) founder Jason Crawford this week. He’s a cool guy and I’m looking forward to hanging out with him, but I figure I should try to slip in an interview while I have the opportunity. With that in mind, is there anything you’d like to ask Jason? If your question is used, you’ll be mentioned in an upcoming RPad.tv “PadCast”!

Coffee Talk #68: What Kind of Television Do You Play Games On (DLP vs LCD TVs)?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, WWE doing a brilliant job hyping The Royal Rumble, the “I’m with Coco” campaign, or the Haiti tragedy possibly leading to Floyd Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Televisions play a vital role in gaming (duh). Pressing buttons on a controller isn’t that much fun unless dazzling graphics and thrilling sounds accompany the input. The advent of high-definition gaming has made TVs more important than ever. Getting the most out of your $60 games and $500 consoles requires a quality television. Today I wanted to see what kind of TV you use for games.

As for me, I’m a DLP (digital light processing) guy. The market is currently dominated by LCD (liquid crystal display) models, but I prefer DLP for several reasons. To me, most LCDs are too bright. DLPs produce truer color that’s more balanced. After several years, LCDs go bad and have to be ditched. DLPs can last three to four times longer, though they require a bulb change every few years. If you’re in the market for a large TV (60-inches and up), DLP offers a much better value and a picture that’s every bit as good. If you move around every few years then I highly suggest that you go with DLP; the screens are much more durable than LCDs. My biggest pet peeve with LCDs is motion blur, which can ruin fast-paced games, as well as sports and action movies (a lot of newer models are much better at dealing with this, to be fair).

Now don’t take this as me bashing on LCDs. They’re much better for rooms that get a lot of natural light. The viewing angle of LCDs beats the pants off of DLPs. A lot of people love that they’re so thin that they can be wall mounted. Some people prefer the brighter image that LCDs offer.

Like I mentioned earlier, I want to know what kind of TV you use for games. Any chance you’re in the market for a new set in 2010? If so, what televisions and technologies are you looking at?