Sony Computer Entertainment plans to make PlayStation 2 (PS2) videogame console compatible with Linux operating system in N. America, Chief Technology Officer-Senior Vp Shin'ichi Okamoto told Rambus Developer Forum in San Jose, Cal. But he declined to provide availability date. Linux “kit” for PS2 was introduced in Japan in June but it can’t be used with N. American PS2. This week’s Developer Forum had been scheduled for late last month but was postponed after attacks.
LucasArts Entertainment will ship Star Wars Jedi Starfighter for PS2 in spring. Title, which follows game Star Wars Starfighter, will feature new Jedi starfighter that will be in upcoming movie Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.
World market for microdisplay components is expected to grow 19% annually to $1.9 billion in 2007 from $668 million in 2001, said 2nd annual Microdisplays 2002 report published by Stanford Resources. Unit shipments of microdisplays are expected to reach 44 million in 2007, with “near-eye” applications such as camcorders and viewfinders accounting for 72% of total, report said. In dollar terms, projection TV applications are expected to account for 74% of 2007 volume, report said. It said LCDs would continue to dominate other microdisplay technologies in market-share terms, but their prevalence would fall to 59% of units and 52% of value by 2007 (from 89% and 76%, respectively, in 2001) at expense of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCOS) technologies.
Wireless entertainment provider YourMobile and game developer NuvoStudios are starting games network for mobile phones in U.S. As part of deal, NuvoStudios will make its games including Brain Check and Nuvo Blaster available to mobile phone users via YorMobile network of wireless carrier partners. In return, YourMobile will make its messaging services, phone graphics and ringtones available to NuvoStudios for redistribution to its corporate customers.
Monthly service fee for personal video recorders (PVRs) should be eliminated as annual sales increase to millions of units from current 200,000-300,000, officials told video-on- demand conference in N.Y. Wed.
EPA began new electronics collection, refurbishment and recycling project with Region 3 states Del., Md., Pa., Va., W.Va., Washington, D.C. Called eCycling, year-long project will partner EPA and state and local govts. with electronic manufacturers, recyclers and waste transporters to evaluate methods for collection and recycling of consumer electronics products, EPA spokeswoman Bonnie Smith said: “The EPA role is really a coordinating role, recognizing there is a potential to recycle a lot of these electronics and that each state does have its own [recycling] process.” Data developed will guide development of cost-effective and sustainable collection system to remove end-of-life computer equipment and TVs from municipal waste systems, she said. EPA Environmental Analyst Claudette Reed said: “The purpose of the project is to see if we can amass the kind of volume that allows recyclers to benefit from the process.” She said agency approached individual consumer electronics and computer manufacturers and industry groups and had “worked closely” with EIA, JVC, Panasonic, Sharp, Sony.
Legislation to mandate management of end-of-life consumer electronic products hasn’t gained traction in states because of expectations raised by govt.-industry initiative to develop voluntary program to dispose of products in environmentally aware way, according to state regulators. But that could change if sustainable models for management of waste electronics aren’t evolved soon, state officials said. About 25 states and local govts. are involved in National Electronics Product Stewardship Initiative (NEPSI) that’s seeking to reach agreement to avoid patchwork of state and local regulations.
Pace Micro Technology announced new version of its IP-based set-top box. New version of DSL4000 is designed to allow telecom service providers and IP broadband network operators to offer interactive TV services. Box has enhanced Internet browser capability, expanded printer support, standard teletext and DVB subtitling capabilities, ability to support multiple languages, especially for countries in Far East. New product will be available next month.
Kodak will cut additional 3,500-4,000 jobs this quarter worldwide as part of continuing cost-reduction effort, company said Wed. as it reported decreased sales and profit for 3rd quarter. Company said that by year-end it would “have completed or initiated cost actions that will result in total employment reduction in the range of 6,500 to 7,500.” Kodak said revenue dropped 8% to $3.3 billion from $3.6 billion same quarter year ago as profit fell to $96 million (33? per share) from $418 million ($1.36). CEO Daniel Carp blamed weakened sales on “economic downturn [that] intensified,” adding “all signs suggest the weakness will continue into next year.” But he said: “I am pleased that in these challenging times, Kodak generated strong cash flow by reducing inventories and restraining capital expenditures. This allowed us to pare debt and positions Kodak to benefit once the economic rebound begins.” Imaging sector has been hit hard by economic slowdown. Earlier this month, competitor Polaroid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it attempted to restructure $950 million in debt.
Action figure toy maker AnJon signed licensing agreement with Dragon’s Lair and distribution agreement with software maker Digital Leisure. Deals will allow AnJon to make games of characters including Dirk the Daring and new characters that players will encounter in new Dragon’s Lair 3D videogame shipping next year from Digital Leisure.