June, 2009
‘Ghostbusters: The Video Game’ Review (PS3)
June 30, 2009
Most people who grew up in the 80’s, like myself, we’re big fans of Ghostbusters and appreciated just how good they were as films which so rightly gave them the cult status they deserved.
For years there has been talk of a Ghostbusters 3 movie and FINALLY Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, the original writers of the first two films, brought us Ghostbusters: The Video Game.
After all the hype surrounding the game, I can honestly say, it was worth the wait!
Continue reading »‘The Video Bay’ Is Released As Trial Drags On
June 29, 2009
Over the last few months we have followed trial of the “Pirate Bay Four” and seen how, although they did ultimately find them guilty, it has brought shame on the Swedish judicial system after a series of claims questioning the neutrality of the judges amid the already lengthy and convoluted trial.
As such it is unsurprising that (as we predicted) the story is back again, and with a few more variables just for good measure. Of course this has a lot to do with the fact that it is in the interest of the Pirate Bay founders to keep the story on the agenda, and I’m sure the timing of “The Video Bay” release (which I will cover later) is not coincidental.
Continue reading »Orange Solar Tent Concept Offers Interesting Camping Future?
June 28, 2009
One of the great British summer traditions is getting the family together, squeezing as much stuff as humanly possible in a car and go camping – something that always ends up in bad weather, poor hygiene and a good time had by all. But to be honest it hasn’t really been brought into the electronic age and that is what Orange have been putting their mind to.
This concept all-singing-all-dancing solar tent has been unveiled in conjunction with the opening of Glastonbury (as Orange are one of the many sponsors) and although some of the details may be more from the realms of the ideal than that of reality it could well be the direction in which camping is going.
Continue reading »‘Uncharted’ Film In Pre-Production
June 27, 2009
Normally, films made from games are some of the worst ever made, which is why this news is a little bittersweet.
Uncharted is the hugely popular game on the Playstation 3 and was developed by Naughty Dog. The first game Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is one of the best games I’ve ever played, and with Uncharted: Among Thieves due for release towards the end of the year, things are looking up for Naughty Dog’s Nathan Drake.
Now with the announcement of the film, one can only wonder whether or not they’re going to screw this one up as well.
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‘Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen’ Review
June 26, 2009
Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen (12A)
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Rainn Wilson, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro,
Running Time: 151 minutes
Director: Michael Bay
I was a massive fan of the first Transformers film and really had high hopes for Transformers 2: Revenge of The Fallen, but I think I let the hype get in the way.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the film, but I think they tried to do too much on the back of the massive success of the first film.
But just before I start, I’d just like to say “HA!” to all Americans. We FINALLY got a major blockbuster released in the UK before you!! 
Windows 7 Prices Announced
June 25, 2009
Ahead of the much anticipated October 22nd 2009 Windows 7 release date, Microsoft have finally announced how much their new o/s will cost and some more information about the upgrade options as well as explaining how you will be able to potentially save on the full price.
Firstly the bad news: the full price will be, as ever, pretty hard on your pocket. The three versions that will be available (Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate) will be priced at £169.99, £219.99 and £229.99 respectively although we still don’t know about the starter edition (designed for netbooks) – but seeing as it will only be sold to business the pricing isn’t a massive problem for most of us.
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Firebox Voucher Code (20% off) via Twitter and Facebook
June 24, 2009
It was only yesterday that we were looking at Firebox’s new website design and now they’re giving us a special short-term Firebox voucher code that will give you 20% off your order, so long as you place your order by the end of today, 24th June 2009.
Netbook/Notebook Terminology Confusing The Masses?
June 24, 2009
Seeing as you are sitting there reading this article on Zath and being generally tech-aware it is fair to say that you probably know a pretty good definition of a netbook and a notebook. And would definitely be able to tell the difference between them (with the notable exception of the Sony Viao P-Series). However if you were to buy a netbook with this knowledge you would, amazingly, be in the minority.
According to a recent NPD survey around 60% of people who purchased netbooks did so under the impression that they had the same functionality, i.e. the same thing as a notebook just crammed into a smaller case. This, oddly enough, has led to a few people being pretty disappointed when they get their new netbook home and turn it on.
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Firebox Gadgets & Gifts – New Website Design!
June 23, 2009
One of our favourite online gadget retailers, Firebox.com has given its website a face-lift!
No doubt, you’ll have heard about Firebox before, especially if you’re in the UK, either here on Zath or through other means – Firebox are one of our favourite purveyors of hi-tech gadgets, some lower-tech gadgets and even some things which you’d have a hard time of classing as a gadget at all, but none-the-less there’s lots of great fun products and cool stuff for you to purchase either for yourself or as a present for someone else!
So what’s been changed to make using their website and shopping with “the Firebox” better?
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‘I Want One of Those’ Voucher Code (10% off)
June 23, 2009
‘I Want One of Those’ is one of our favourite places to get our latest gadgets from, they are constantly adding to the range of gadgets that they stock and also offer an IWOOT voucher code that you can use all the way to the end of June 2010 to save 5% off your order.
Tim Burton’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ First Look Pictures
June 23, 2009
Seen the new Alice in Wonderland? Oh yes, the magical Tim Burton is back once again with his new adventure starring his wife and pal Johhny Depp. Now, excuse me for saying so, but to be quite frank ol’ Johnny could look like a tramp on crack and I’d still want his bones curled up next to mine. The cast may look all weird and whacked out in their new costumes and make-up, but that’s only inviting me more, really.
The film is a brilliant adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll novel from 1865, out in 2010, with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen and Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen. The lead role of Alice will be played by 19-year-old unknown Mia Wasikowska from Australia.
Continue reading »Star Wars: The Old Republic – Bioware E3 Interview
June 23, 2009
A few weeks ago we reported on how the cinematic trailer of Star Wars: The Old Republic had been released at E3 2009 – I think from just seeing that it’s clear that Bioware really understands Star Wars and what us fans really want see in a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game set in the Star Wars universe.
In this interview two of the guys from Bioware talk with Gamespot about the history of this game so far, how they’re approaching it and why it will be different from the other MMO games currently on the market – every character in the game will be fully-voiced to help create the many stories and involvement that your character will have in the Old Republic – no more reading what characters are saying and having stories that only last as long as a short quest as you might expect in a game like World of Warcraft.
Continue reading »Twitter Gives Daily Mail A Stupid Answer To Its Stupid Question
June 23, 2009
Now here’s something to remember for any news sites out there (especially the Daily Mail) that like to run polls on topical issues and the like – don’t ask loaded questions! Or to put it a better way, don’t ask a stupid question or you’ll just get a stupid answer, especially online given how social networks such as Twitter can quickly spread information!
Sony Vaio NW Range Launched
June 22, 2009
Having been at the front line of technology for a good few decades now any release by Sony is definitely worth a mention, and despite the somewhat low-impact last addition to the Vaio line up with the P-series ‘Sony netbook’ they are back to what they do best with the Sony Vaio NW notebook range.
Unsurprisingly the Sony Vaio NW range is sleek, subtly curved and available in a range of soft tones (including birch white, walnut brown and rattan silver) all of which have the iconic ‘Vaio’ logo embossed in silver in big letters along the top.
However the most notable thing about the NW range is not its design (as you would probably struggle to distinguish from, well, any other Vaio) but the fact that, according to Sony, it offers ‘entry level’ pricing for a Blu-Ray equipped laptop.
Continue reading »The Stig Revealed As Michael Schumacher On Top Gear
June 22, 2009
Top Gear has finally revealed the White Stig’s identity for themselves in the opening show of their new series and who’d have thought it, it was Michael Schumacher all along!…well yeah…maybe!
Here at Zath, we’re big fans of Top Gear as are many of our readers and we’ve long wondered about who is The Stig for over two years now.
Continue reading »iPhone 3.0: The Dark Side – Part 1
June 21, 2009
I know what you’re thinking.
Here’s the Windows Nerd, back for another round of Apple bashing. Well let me get a few things straight right now before we begin. I own an iPhone and more than that, I think it pretty excellent. There is absolutely nothing out there that even comes close to the intuitive user interface, the plethora of fantastic apps and the sheer usability of what is quite simply, the best phone ever made. Am I going to use an awkward, clunky Windows Mobile interface, or am I going to use an iPhone? Hmm, tough call isn’t it?
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New Xbox 360 in 2010!
June 20, 2009
There’s been a few rumours circulating the Microsoft were going to release a new version of their Xbox 360 console next year.
It turns out, those rumours are true.
Microsoft’s CEO; Steve Ballmer was the one to announce the new Xbox 360 at ‘The Executive’s Club of Chicago’. The new Xbox 360 is set to have a “built-in camera” which could well be Project Natal motion controller system which was revealed at E3 2009 a few weeks ago.
Continue reading »iPhone 3.0 Update: The Dark Side – Teaser
June 19, 2009
The system you use has left it’s scent on you. Do not forget who it is that you serve…
No one on this planet has ever bought an iPhone. While experienced users fumble with shitty firmware migration and Apple bigots rave over the most superficial and fundamental enhancements, let’s not forget the elephant in the room. As good as the iPhone is, your use of it depends on the continuing flow of money from your bank account to your cell provider. Don’t think for a minute that your iPhone won’t eventually turn to a brick, because I personally guarantee that in time, it will.
Continue reading »iPhone 3.0 Software Update – The Upgrade Experience!
June 18, 2009
Ever since the iPhone 3.0 software update was announced back in January 2009, people have been eagerly anticipating its release, if only for the much-wanted cut, copy and paste functionality that every other top smartphone has as a basic feature. However, there has been very few times in which I’ve really thought I wish I could copy/paste that – must be the way that I use my iPhone, perhaps I use it more as checking device, rather than a doing device?
The day had arrived, 6pm (BST) on 17th June 2009 – time for the iPhone 3.0 software update!
Continue reading »Opera Unite Jukebox
June 18, 2009
Yesterday we had a look at Opera Unite’s attempt to ‘revolutionise’ the web and although it’s hard to gauge its long term success at this moment in time, it does look like it could well change the way we use the internet as they’ve promised.
An integral part of the Unite idea is the apps which run on it, so we thought we’d have a look at one of the most popular ones and see what it is, how it utilises Opera Unite and whether it is actually worth using, and the one that caught our eye first was the Opera Unite Jukebox.
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