The Nintendo DS, Nintendo’s answer to Sony’s PSP has given birth to four different versions of the original design. The latest to be released is the Nintendo 3DS and it is packed with the latest innovations of gaming.

The most prominent feature of the gaming console is the fact that it produces 3D images that don’t require glasses to be viewed. The Nintendo 3DS achieves this purpose through auto-stereoscopy, which creates 3D images by assigning different parts of its graphical output to different sections of the screen. Although the effect is quite an impressive one, it has also caused disorientation due to prolonged use. For those who are looking forward to play games that require close attention, the consequences may be quite sickening.In addition to that, it must be noted that moving the device about while playing results in the collapsing of the 3D effect. However, the effect can be adjusted all the way down to 2Dw with the aid of the 2D slider.

At first glance, the device is far from attractive and in comparison with non-3D compatible devices such as the PSP the Nintendo 3DS, the design seems archaic and would have users doubting its immense capabilities. However, the Nintendo 3DS comes packed with some serious technology. For instance, the 3DS is equipped with an accelerometer and a gyroscope for heightened motion sensing controls. Packed within its 74x134x21mm body is a Customized PICA200 graphics chipset. Although it is much less powerful than the likes of Nvidia and AMD, it is certainly adequate to produce images of impressive quality.

In addition to these features, the Nintendo 3DS comes with a 360 degree analogue pad and a home button which makes navigation much easier. The analogue pad, although not as precise as a stick controller, is smooth and comfortable and has a definite win over the PSP’s thumb damaging navigation button. The 3DS also offers a front facing camera of 640x480 to take 2D images as well as two identical cameras on the outside. The two cameras work together to take two pictures at the same time and to overlay them to create a 3D image. While the camera quality is not very impressive, it will definitely offer a novel experience and a great deal of unique possibilities when it comes to augmented reality gaming.

The 3DS also comes equipped with Wi-Fi for connectivity. The W-Fi function is not only limited to internet access and to download new games from the eShop but also as a method of exchanging data between neighboring devices. Although this is a welcome feature for most gamers, Street passing data is heavily in breach of copyright laws and is frowned upon by many gaming company.

In the end, the Nintendo 3DS is an impressive device. Although the design and aesthetics may not be ideal for most style conscious gamers, it is still a remarkable piece of technology released at the correct time when 3D compatibility is still in the spotlight. The initial appeal of the device lies in the 3D features but once the craze dies down, the device will still spark interest due to its control features and incredible graphics properties.

Canons’ EOS 600D is a delight for photography enthusiasts on the lookout for an affordable DSLR. Canon’s line of SLRs has been dominating the market since 2003, when the range was first launched. When it comes to the Canon EOS 600D, it shows very thin variation from the previous model in the range. The sensor, of 18 Megapixels is identical to that of the Canon EOS 550D, its predecessor. In addition, the DIGIC IV image processor, the 63-zone iFCL metering system as well as the 9-point AF system have also been recycled from the 550D.

However, the EOS 600D is not a complete clone of its predecessor. Quite a few noticeable changes are present in the all new design. For instance, the 3 inch screen is offered with the ability to swivel out of the body by 180° and to rotate by 270°. This feature alone offers users the ability to position and shoot videos at various different angles. The Canon EOS 600D is able to record full HD video at 1080P at different frame speeds of 24, 25 and 30 fps.

As for the external appearance, the Canon EOS 600D is very much similar to the 550D. But the 600D had been given several subtle modifications to make it appear more high end and to make it more usable. However, you will not receive a brand new AF system with the 600D. The AF system of the Canon EOS 600D is the same 9 point phase detect one from previous models where the nine points are grouped together at the centre of the frame to form a diamond. The AF point selection button is responsible for the focus selection. Although it is a decent system without fuss, it definitely feels a bit slow and outdated in comparison for similar cameras from other manufacturers.

The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II kit lens incorporates a built in system to prevent shakes from upsetting the picture. Although the internal construction of the lens is the same, the lack of a USM motor makes up for several audible noises as the lens adjusts its focus.

The most important feature of a camera is undoubtedly, the image quality. Armed with the 63-zone iFCL metering system (the same since the EOS 7D) results in well exposed images regardless of the lighting condition.  The Canon EOS 600D delivers different picture styles such as Portrait, Landscape, Standard, Neutral and Monochrome which offers a satisfactory result. In addition the user defined modes allows them to edit contrast, saturation brightness and color tone as required.

In conclusion, the Canon EOS 600D offers very little new features in comparison with the 550D. The minor additions come at a considerably high price and are guaranteed to have users questioning whether they are worth an additional £150. On the other hand, it is a great camera which belongs to the moderate price range. Although the sensor is satisfactory and the picture quality and video are impressive, the overall performance is not entirely up to expectations.

The Sony HDR-TD10 a complex device offered in the form of a small and compact handy cam. However, in comparison to other HD cameras, it is larger and can even be defined as bulky. However, HD video is not the only innovative feature offered in the Sony HDR-TD10. You will also have the ability to shoot 3D images. The device comes equipped with two side by side lenses in the front. These two cameras make up for the bulk of the device as well as the ability to capture a 3D image.

Although it was called bulky, for a 3D capable camera, it is very well built and is perfect for extended use. As for the features the Sony HDR-TD10 offers 3D as its primary feature. You will find that this feature is easily accessible without the need to resort to complicated exercises such as swapping out lenses or calibrating them. Instead, the simple flip of a switch will allow you to switch between 2D and 3D according to your preference. When it comes to watching the captured 3D video, there is no need for those 3D glasses with the Sony HDR-TD10. However, although the 3D features are impressive and adequate for a novice user, the reduced control and versatility to adjust and fine tune the settings will put off many advanced users.

On the back of the device, there are plenty of ports along with a battery compartment. The switch to jump between 3D and 2D recording is also found on the back of the handy cam. The Sony HDR-TD10 comes loaded with plenty of advanced manual control features. While most of them are unavailable to use in the 3D mode, the features did meet expectations.

The Auto Mode, which is one of the features available for 3D recording, works perfectly up to the same high standards, set by previous Sony cameras. Although the autofocus feature is not available in the 3D mode, it offers impressive performance on the 2D mode where it has the ability to make full use of the touch screen display. The autofocus feature will be put in to action when you tap a subject in the picture. This will automatically keep the camera focused on them despite their movements. For fine tuning during 3D capturing, you can use the touch screen or the control dial positioned at the front of the device.

Sony has a great autofocus tracking feature where you tap on a subject in the picture, and the camera then automatically keeps them (or it) in focus no matter where they move. For most people, this will be as advanced as you need to get. However, this feature is not available in 3D mode. To fine-tune 3D focusing, you can use the touchscreen or the control-dial on the front. The touchscreen seemed easier to use, although you can more easily “fine-tune” with the dial on the front.

In conclusion, the device is simple to use and is an impressive deal for the first one of its kind. For those who are not interested in the 3D features, there is always the option of selecting a smaller HD device.  On the other hand, with such an incredible 3D picture, the Sony HDR-TD10 is well worth the 3 pounds of weight.

Zumba Fitness is doing exceptionally well at the top of the UK game chart. It managed to hold on to the number one position for two weeks until it was dethroned temporarily by Portal 2. Due to its immense success, the publishers of the fitness game, Majesco, has announced that there will be a sequel.

Originally, Zumba was a dance fitness program created by Alberto "Beto" Perez, a Colombian dancer and choreography expert. The main goal isthe unique exercise program that was to introduce international music along with a variety of dance styles to make exercise routines more enjoyable. The Zumba dance fitness program was conducted in over 100,000 locations in 125 countries all over the world by licensed instructors. Instructional DVDs and classes were quite popular among the health conscious people throughout the globe.

The first Zumba fitness game, which was based on the popular fitness program, was developed by Pipeworks Software. The first version, released on the platforms PlayStation Move, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 as well as Nintendo Wii.

The sequel is expected to offer plenty of additional features. Over thirty new music tracks will be featuredin the second installation to Zumba. A wide variety of new dance styles that include Latin pop, Belly dancing, and Pasodoble will be offered with the eagerly anticipated sequel.

The classes will be offered by Gina Grant, Beto, and Tanya Beardsley. The game will also come with a party mode that will allow up to four people to take part at the same time. Additional features include the promise of an all-new progress tracker, which will keep an accurate record of burned calories. Apart from that, the tracker will also grade dance styles while displaying trophies, achievements and statistics.

Zumba Fitness 2 is due to be released before Christmas for the Nintendo Wii platform. In Early 2012, it will be released again on an unspecified new platform.

Finally, the release of the third version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has been officially announced. The latest game will be hitting the shelves within the UK on the 8^th of November 2011. The announcement, released by GAME, the official retailer for Modern Warfare 3, has put an end to a considerable amount of speculation surrounding the release date of the game.

Some users believe that the release date announcement from GAME was made because of the vast rumors surrounding the game. Neil Ashurst, Head of UK PR for GAME, has made an announcement that stated that they are indeed aware of the mass excitement over the release of the third version of the hit game. Modern Warfare One and Two are considered to be one of the biggest selling games of all time and has achieved the status of an iconic franchise.

The vast speculation surrounding Modern Warfare 3 has lead to quite a few of its expected details to be leaked across the Internet. One such rumor states that the new release will feature large-scale destructible environments. This particular feature would be an innovation to the game’s current linear format. Further speculation suggests that the storyline of the 3^rdversion will follow from the climax of its predecessor: Modern Warfare 2. It is also suggested that it will feature an urban setting.

Modern Warfare 3 has been made available for pre order at Amazon right after the announcement. As for the official retailer, they too have made the announcement that the third version of the iconic franchise is now available for pre order on GAME.co.uk. Modern Warfare 3 is available on the platforms PS3, Xbox 360 as well as PC.

Modern Warfare 3, code named Project Colossus, is expected to be the biggest game release of the industry this year.

According to the latest reports, Microsoft has also decided to step in to the 3D gaming arena.  It is believed that Microsoft will be unveiling Xbox 360 with full 3D gaming compatibility at E3 2011. Although sales figures and gamers comments are focused mainly on the disadvantages and complications of 3D gaming, manufacturers seem to be thinking otherwise. Most experts believe that 3D will remain in the spotlight for a while.

A few months ago, Aaron Greenberg from Microsoft has stated that the capability to support 3D is present in the current version of Xbox 360. This is a known fact as Call of Duty Black Ops was able to be played in stereoscopic 3D. According to Greenberg, Microsoft is not concerned whether the demand for 3D gaming actually exists. He said that Microsoft is able to wait until the market starts to show positive response.

At the moment, the PS3 comes with full HDMI 1.4 stereoscopic 3D. According to EuroGamer, the Xbox has higher capability to support 3D than the PS3. Therefore, the update will not require users to purchase any additional hardware as it would be delivered in the form of a firmware update.  Xbox users in possession of a 3DTV and a compatible game will be able to start gaming right after the update is installed.

As of now, Microsoft’s actual plans for E3, which will be held next month, are not yet defined. Since the biggest rival for Xbox, PS3 is offering admirable 3D at the moment, it is expected that 3D gaming will make a definite appearance on the company’s E3 agenda.

Experts believe that with the increasing graphic qualities and the 3D gaming compatibility of games such as Call of Duty definitely counts as positive reaction from the market.

LA Noire, which started off with a series of delays to its release date, console crashes and plenty of other rumors, has done exceptionally well in the gaming market. Despite the console crashing scenario, the game has managed to attain bestseller status within a short time.

LA Noire is considered to be the most successful game to mimic the dramatic effect of a TV show format. Game reviews have given the highest ratings to just about all major aspects of the game. Since the game follows a detective story line, the developers have given plenty of attention towards small details such as body language and stunning visuals.

The game was released for the platforms PS3 and the Xbox 360. Although the reviewers mainly focused on the positive aspects, there are a few minor drawbacks. For instance, the absence of the multiplayer function was noted by a few critics. Some even reported graphical degradation when objects are viewed in close up.

As for the console incident, a joint statement from developers Rockstar and Sony has stated that the new PS3 firmware was creating overheating problems with the device and forces it to shut down. Prior to that, Rockstar had issued a statement saying that PS3 firmware update 3.61 was the source of the problem. However, users reported the game crashing on Xbox 360 as well.The joint statement also assured gamers that they are searching for a solution at the moment.

As per the reviews made on the game, LA Noire was named an ‘interactive movie’ with a unique theme and plenty of cutting edge technology. Notably, the MotionScan face mapping method has managed to take the game up to a higher level than most similar games. The TV show inspired flow of LA Noire has received plenty of praise from critics and players alike. The game is expected to continue its winning streak.

The latest announcement made by Sony Ericsson shined the spotlight on two all new handsets. The two new mobile phones, titled Sony Ericsson Txt Pro and Sony Ericsson Mix Walkman were announced following a competition open to 4.8 million Facebook fans for the company from all over the world.

As it is apparent by the names, the two mobile phones were created with text messaging and music in mind. The announcement was made on Facebook. According to a statement given by Quentin Cordier, Sony’s Global Product Marketing Manager, Sony Ericsson wanted to make the most of their massive fan base on the social network.

The Mix Walkman is created mainly with the intent of providing musical entertainment to users. The handset is offered with plenty of impressive features designed to make the musical experience more exciting. The Mix Walkman comes armed with a ‘Sappin’ key which offers users the ability to skim through tracks and to skip straight to the chorus of the next song. Another notable music feature is the karaoke feature which allows users to sing along to the song by lowering the vocal track of a selected track. In addition, the device offers 13 hours of music playback.

As for the Txt Pro, it is offered with a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3-inch touch screen display and a 3.2 megapixel camera. The handset is designed mainly with improved features for text messaging and social networking in mind. The Txt pro comes equipped with a friends application to make the social networking experience more enjoyable for the user. Both phones are offered with a micro SD card slot that can take up to 32GB memory cards.

Cordier further added that Sony Ericsson is pleased about the fact that customers are happy with the new phones that are created with entertainment and connectivity in mind. As for the pricing details, they are not yet available.

According to an announcement made by J.K. Shin, the President of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Division, the company is planning to launch a third generation of its widely successful Galaxy S handset. The launch is announced to take place in 2012. The official Samsung Galaxy S II was unveiled at Mobile World Congress back in February.

As per the announcement made by J.K. Shin, the third version of the Galaxy S smart phone is being prepared to be launched within the first half of next year. Shin further stated that the race for 4G is already on its way and that it will become more popular with tablets.

The currently available details of the upcoming smart phone suggest that it will be an evolved and enhanced version of its Galaxy Tab models. Samsung is currently dealing with a lawsuit with their biggest rival, Apple Inc. who also happens to be Samsung’s most prominent customer in their components business. The lawsuit was filed by Apple on the claim that Samsung has copied the design and appearance of their most popular devices the iPhone and the iPad. Samsung has responded to the claim with a counter attack stating that Apple has violated their patent for cell phone transmission technologies.

Despite Apple’s claim, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S smart phones have both fared exceptionally well on the market. Last year, over 10 million units of the first version of the Galaxy S handset were sold (it was very popular as one of the T-Mobile prepaid phones). Earlier last month, the Samsung Galaxy S II was released. Sporting an impressive an 8-megapixel camera with 1080p Full HD video and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor all packed in to a slim stylish design, the Galaxy S II has managed to sell a staggering 1.3 million devices since it was released.

Experts believe that Samsung will have to deliver a solid performance as most of the users’ attention is focused towards Apple’s iPhone 5 and HTC Sensation.

It is expected that Apple will be releasing an internal upgrade for the massively successful MacBook Air. According to information released by sources with knowledge on the matter, the supplies for the “size zero’ laptop are overwhelmed with the massive demand. Most tech experts believe that Apple is attempting to clear shelves in time for the new version of the laptop.

In addition, both of Apple’s retailers are offering the machines at incredibly low prices. The11.6inch version is considered to be Apple’s best attempt at something resembling a netbook. Reviewers and user have both expressed that the Air is indeed a marvel. With its unibody design and futuristic super thin design it was also considered to be a visual treat.

However, the memory and battery life was considered by most users not to regard this impressive machine as a primary laptop. Nevertheless, the 11.6 inch MacBook Air comes complete with a generously sized keyboard and a multi-touch track pad.

Originally priced at £850, the MacBook Air was considered to be a luxury product. At the moment, Best Buy has marked the device down to $938 which has resulted in quite a bit of purchases from many users who found the original price to be too high. The Mac Refurb store has taken the price down another $100 and is offering the 11.6 version at $829.

The all new versions of the MacBook Air will come equipped with Thunderbolt technology as well as the Sandy Bridge processors from Intel. The information that is available at the moment suggests that the appearance of the upcoming upgraded versions will be the same as the current versions which are flying off the shelves due to the price cuts. The MacBook Air was redesigned last year, therefore a new look will not be offered with the impressive package.

What have you heard about Linux? An operating system which is hard to learn with a shell for typing complex commands? Anyway, Linux was popular to be popular among geeks for decades and the general users were left aside when it comes to Linux. But amazingly, there are increasing number of layman computer users converting themselves from Windows to Linux nowadays. Most of the honor for this new trend should go to a few new developments of the area of desktop visualization such as Compiz and Beryl.

Compiz and Beryl was first introduced obviously for competing with the eye candy of Windows and Apple Macintosh. But in several ways, Compiz was way leading than Windows and apparently some critics say that Windows Vista release was delayed in order to incorporate some of the competitive features Compiz had. Now Compiz consist of some of the most amazing 3D visualizations computing has ever offered while it continues to enhance the desktop effects and the usability. These graphics are similar to the 3D Design at www.autodesk.co.uk technology often utilized by engineers and architects.

Compiz is a composite window manager for Linux which uses 3D graphics acceleration via OpenGL. It offers various graphical effects and usability features on any Linux desktop environment such as Xfce, Gnome and KDE. Same as most of other Linux based software, Compiz offers the facility for plug-in. You can add new graphical effects for your existing Compiz window manager by adding simple plug-ins. Unlike difficult software installation in Linux, these plug-ins are easy to install and configure. Sharing the most powerful feature of Linux and open source software, Compiz is supported by a large community so; you will find plenty of forums on the internet that shares knowledge on this.

Since Compiz is designed for high-end graphics, it carries few disadvantages for users with relatively old or different hardware. Compiz is more effective and successful with the most recent NVidia and ATI graphics cards. Therefore, there are a large number of users who do not have the luxury of experiencing this eye catching windowing system yet. It especially, does not fully support Intel chip based graphics cards. So, most of the laptop users are waiting for someone to hack Compiz code and make the eye candy available for them!