The Best — and Worst — Console Launches

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Chris Morris

The months leading up to a console launch are filled with talk of system specs and features. But the minute those consoles hit shelves, the focus shifts squarely to the games.

No matter how fancy its internal components and capabilities may be, the success or failure of a console ultimately comes down to its software. Historically speaking, launch lineups aren’t great – it takes a while for game makers to get the hang of new hardware – but some have been better than others. Much better, as it were.

The key ingredient in any launch lineup isn’t quantity, but quality. One system-selling game is worth more than 20 forgettable ports. As you debate whether the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 has the better initial lineup of games, take a look back at the five best and five worst day one lineups of past home consoles.

Panasonic, MySpace team for TV experiment

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Chris Morris

Panasonic is teaming with MySpace for the rollout of the social network’s new social TV experiment.

MySpace TV will be the crown jewel of Panasonic’s collection of TV apps, letting people chat with friends as they watch programming and see what’s trending among their social circles.

Holiday gadget gift guide

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Chris Morris

Spending on consumer electronics will account for one-third of all holiday gift-shopping this year, according to the Consumer Electronics Assn. — but finding the right gift for the gadget-hound on your list won’t be easy, or cheap. While overall electronics prices are falling in some categories, like TVs, items on the cutting edge tend to carry a premium pricetag. They’re also often hard to get since they may not be carried by big-box stores and thus not be on the radar of most shoppers.

To help out, Variety has put together its annual list of items that are bound to please even the most discriminating techie.

Initiative for 3D standard glasses gains steam

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Chris Morris

The Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative – a joint effort by Samsung, Panasonic and Sony to adopt a new technology standard for active 3D glasses – continues to attract supporters.

Philips, Sharp, TCL and Toshiba have all announced their support for the program, which hopes to eliminate the specialized glasses currently required for each manufacturer’s set.

Samsung, Panasonic, Sony team for 3D

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Chris Morris

A collective of the top television manufacturers have joined forces to make 3D TV more attractive to consumers.

Panasonic, Samsung and Sony have announced plans to collaborate with XpanD 3D to develop a new technology standard for active 3D glasses. The partnership, called the Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative, aims to eliminate the specialized glasses required for each manufacturer’s set.

Panasonic cancels the ‘Jungle’

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Chris Morris

Panasonic finally saw the Jungle for the trees.

The consumer electronics company has abandoned its plans to create a handheld gaming device – which was codenamed ‘Jungle’ – that would have focused on massively-multiplayer online games for the portable audience.

Panasonic exits the ‘Jungle’

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Chris Morris

Panasonic is headed back to the city.

The consumer electronics giant has stopped development on its handheld gaming system that was code-named Jungle “due to changes in the market and in [the company’s] strategic direction”.

Panasonic unveils gesture-controlled TV

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Chris Morris

You have to give Panasonic credit for pushing the envelope. After launching a TV last year that let owners record programs to an SD card, the company has now taken the wraps off of a new set that does away with the remote control.

Customers in Japan can now buy the VIERA DMP-HV200, a gesture-controlled set that allows users to adjust the volume and change channels with a wave of their hands. The 10.1-inch sets will go on sale March 18 for a converted price of $640.

Analysis: How Gaming Seeps Into CES 2011

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Chris Morris

[Reporting from Las Vegas’ CES, Gamasutra editor-at-large Chris Morris looks at video games’ presence at the major electronics show, examining how the show hints at the blossoming of a post-console future for games.]

For a trade show that’s not about video games, there sure are a lot of people talking about and playing them here at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show.

OnLive, Kinect and Playstation are being discussed nearly as much as tablets, 3D TVs and cameras. It’s some of the clearest proof yet showing that as video games evolve and grow, the industry is moving closer and closer to the world of mainstream entertainment.

CES: Panasonic to launch its own tablet

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Chris Morris

Panasonic is opening an app store – and launching a tablet.

The company announced plans Wednesday to transform its VieraCast service, which embedded a limited number of apps on select HDTVs, into Viera Connect – a market that will welcome apps from a larger pool of developers.

Chris Morris: Journalist

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