Author: DaveWeLike

I'm the editor of StuffWeLike.com.

ESRB Controls the Internet

The video game rating organization ESRB has gone into hack and slash mode today! Video game publishers releasing M and AO titles are being forced to have press sites age-gate any videos relating to their products, which contain mature content. Since StuffWeLike.com focuses a lot on its media player content, we’ve asked SplashCast – the technology behind the player – to add an age-gate system.

It’s pretty crazy though that an organization can now control the content that flows out onto the internet. This is something to take very seriously by not only gamers, but by anyone who uses the internet. The internet is the place for freedom of speech and expression.

It is important to protect younger audiences from graphic material, especially if deemed unsuitable by their parents. But an age-gate system is easy to get through no matter how old you are.

There are going to be some major repercussions here GOOD or BAD.

YouTube Live on Apple TV Today; Coming to iPhone on June 29

Apple today announced that iPhone users will be able to enjoy YouTube’s originally-created content on their iPhones when they begin shipping on June 29. A new Apple-designed application on iPhone will wirelessly stream YouTube’s content to iPhone over Wi-Fi or EDGE networks and play it on iPhone’s stunning 3.5 inch display.

In addition, Apple announced that YouTube is now live on Apple TV. Users can download the free software update using Apple TV’s built-in software update feature, and then easily navigate through YouTube’s familiar video browsing categories or search for specific videos. YouTube members can also log-in to their YouTube accounts on Apple TV to view and save their favorite videos.

“iPhone delivers the best YouTube mobile experience by far,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Now users can enjoy YouTube wherever they are-on their iPhone, on their Mac or on a widescreen TV in their living room with Apple TV.”

To achieve higher video quality and longer battery life on mobile devices, YouTube has begun encoding their videos in the advanced H.264 format, and iPhone will be the first mobile device to use the H.264-encoded videos. Over 10,000 videos will be available on June 29, and YouTube will be adding more each week until their full catalog of videos is available in the H.264 format this fall.

The combination of H.264-encoded videos plus iPhone’s built-in Wi-Fi networking, stunning 3.5 inch display, and custom YouTube application with its multi-touch user interface results in the best YouTube experience on any mobile device.

Pricing & Availability
iPhone will include the built-in Apple-designed YouTube application when it is available in the US on June 29, 2007 in a 4GB model for $499 (US) and an 8GB model for $599 (US). iPhone will be sold in the US through Apple’s retail and online stores, and through AT&T’s retail stores.

Apple TV users can download the free software update using Apple TV’s built-in software update feature.

Hitman 3-in-1

Hitman Compilation

Eidos has just announced that they’re releasing a new Hitman compilation set! Hitman Trilogy, available for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PC-DVD, will feature Hitman: Blood Money, Hitman: Silent Assassin, and Hitman: Contracts along with a sneak preview bonus disc of Eidos’ upcoming thriller Kane & Lynch: Dead Men.

“Hitman Trilogy is a seriously intense dose of gaming,” says David Bamberger, marketing manager, Eidos North America. “The three game set will show just how controversial and innovative the action and stealth gaming genre remains. Players new to the series are in for quite a shock.”

The popular Hitman series puts gamers in the role of the infamous Agent 47, a killer for hire. Armed with an arsenal of weapons and the ability to take advantage of all the dangers found in an everyday environment, Agent 47 will do anything to complete a contract signed in blood. Featuring open-ended action gameplay and an immersive and dark storyline, each game brings players deeper into a ruthless world filled with cold-blooded revenge.

Included with the trilogy is the Kane & Lynch: Dead Men bonus disc – crammed with trailers, art, and screens – that offers gamers a glimpse into the sinister world of this upcoming game. Developed by Io Interactive, the award-winning studio behind the Hitman series, this new game introduces Kane and Lynch, a flawed mercenary and a medicated psychopath, who are on a violent and chaotic journey towards an end no one can imagine.

Hitman Trilogy is in stores across North America for $29.99 USD on June 20, 2007 for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PC-DVD.