iPhone Goes White, Hits Retailers Worldwide

Apple confirmed that their the white iPhone 4 is finally releasing in the U.S. and 27 other countries. Originally set to release in June 2010, the device was delayed for months due to manufacturing issues.

“The white iPhone 4 has finally arrived and it’s beautiful,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s head of marketing. “We appreciate everyone who has waited patiently while we’ve worked to get every detail right.”

The white iPhone will retail for $199/$299 for the 16GB/32GB models with a two-year service contract.

Xbox Live Issues Service Alert

PSN is experiencing its own issues at the moment, but it appears that Xbox Live is not immune from similar difficulties. Microsoft has issued a service alert about matchmaking for their online gaming network.

“Users may receive potential phishing attempts via title specific messaging while playing Modern Warfare 2,” warns Microsoft. “We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.”

Source: Support.xbox.com

Zynga Enters Wonderland

Zynga has announced the acquisition of of U.K.-based mobile developer Wonderland. The GodFinger developer, with veterans Lionhead, Bullfrog and Codemasters, will become Zynga Mobile UK.

“Wonderland Software has always been dedicated to pursuing big and creative ideas and turning them into games that players love,” says Matthew Wiggins, Wonderland s chief executive officer who will remain on to serve as general manager for Zynga Mobile UK. “We are thrilled to continue our vision as part of the Zynga family and to reach millions of mobile players across a spectrum of devices.”

Electronic Arts Gains WildTangent Veteran

Dave Madden has joined Electronic Arts global media sales group as its leader, replacing Elizabeth Harz, who had been SVP of global media sales at Electronic Arts for three years. He will lead ad sales at Electronic Arts various businesses for console, mobile and social games, and will look to make it easier to buy and sell media on the company s plethora of titles.

Madden’s previous experience as 11 years as an executive with WildTangent leading their advertising sales, marketing and business development activities as EVP. WildTangent is responsible for RuneScape, and is a major player for online game ads, recently moving into social game ads.

Source: PaidContent.org {link no longer active}

Android Interest Tops iOS

According to Nielsen, interest in Android powered phones has increased from 26 percent late in 2010 to 31 percent for the first quarter of 2011. Apple iOS devices, however, saw a slight dip from 33 percent to 30 percent.

Windows Phone demand was flat (from 7 percent to 6 percent) while interest in Nokia Symbian wasn’t high enough to be measured. Demand for Blackberry was down from 13 percent to 11 percent, with roughly 20 percent of consumers unsure of what to get next.

Source: Tech Crunch

Portal 2: Turret Song!

Anyone who’s played Portal or its sequel remembers those deadly but cute turrets with their oddly soothing voices. Here’s a small secret showing some of the Turrets showing their harmonization with Turret Wife Serenade.

 

Sony Enters Tablet War

Sony has announced that they are looking to enter the tablet market. They are planning two devices, both of which run Android 3.0 and are Wi-Fi and 3G/4G compatible.

The more conventional tablet has 9.5″ screen and a wedge shape, while the other model as two 5.5″ screens in a clamshell design. The second design might not be final, and the unusually design might result in compatibility issues.