The hybrid social networking/gadget news site gdgt launched a NYC branch Thursday, and to celebrate they took over the Manhattan Center's ballroom, showed off some cool tech, and had a party. A few of the events many sponsors included Microsoft Zune, Rockstar Games, and PlayStation. I was there to check out the brand new PSP Go, as well as see lots of other gizmos and electric doo-hickeys. After the jump read my thoughts on what I saw, and check out a video of the event, including some hands-on with Beaterator and Uncharted 2.
PSP Go - Seems like Sony is finally gaining my interest. The PSP Go struck me as an unnecessary and silly idea at first, but after getting to see and play it, there's no doubt it is pretty sleek. I underestimated how tiny it was. It's skinny, in a good way (just like me!) It feels exponentially better than any of the other previous PSP's in your hand, and still looks great. Of course, it has built in wi-fi, bluetooth, Skype, and media management, as well as the ability to connect to your PS3. The big deal here is the lack of UMD and download only approach. While there wasn't much content on the demo unit, besides a few "Minis" games, the PlayStation store seemed more than ready to support the new device.
Beaterator - First off, one of the guys running the Rockstar booth recognized me from this site, so he wins super brownie points. Either that, or he just talked up everyone to make them feel special. He gave me a hands on with Beaterator, a new music creation tool on the PSP from Rockstar and beatmaker extraordinaire, Timbaland. There were several different ways to create and orchestra beats, each one having its own features and skill sets. There was a mode where you could trigger in certain parts by using the face buttons, virtually making anyone a DJ on the go. The Rockstar rep compared it to a lighter, portable version of Pro Tools or Logic. Obviously, it's not as advanced, but it'd make a great tool for when you're out and about and inspiration hits. You can record via a microphone, remix, rearrange, and export your masterpieces to .wav files. Sounds like a more studio centered answer to the Korg DS-10.
PS3 Slim - I only got a brief look at it sitting on a table, but I had imagined it so much smaller. It's thinner than the original PS3, but I wouldn't classify it as slim. Big boned, maybe? Also, it's wider than I expected. I had imagined a slightly larger, black, Wii-shaped console. Instead, I still think it looks like a sandwich maker or other kitchen appliance. Even so, with software like Uncharted 2 coming out soon and a back catalog with a few gems actually worth playing, I'll probably get one in the near future.
Zune HD - Color me impressed. Even with only one demo unit and little to no software on it, the Zune HD is quite the iPod/iPhone alternative. The Microsoft rep talked about the still growing app community, and mentioned that more games are coming, including Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, and Audiosurf Tilt. There was also talk about letting XNA community members develop for the Zune. Microsoft has big plans for product integration. Videos bought from the Zune Marketplace on a PC, for example, can easily be transferred to your Zune, or loaded up on Xbox Live with no need to repurchase the same content. In fact, the Xbox Live integration will get a huge push later this year on the NXE dashboard and the Zune marketplace. Browsing through the music library, there's a ton of additional perks that make the Zune a must have device for music fans. I started playing a Mos Def song. I could then browse the artist's bio, see his other albums for sale in the Zune Marketplace, see similar artists, and links to online media. All this included with the Zune software. Not an extra app or purchase. Most impressive.
Editor-in-Chief - Jim Squires Managing Editor - Daniel Lloyd Founding Editor - Daniel Zuccarelli
Contributors Bryan Wall Holly Green Lance Coviello Marc Deangelis Mark Peachey Mike Dodd
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Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 