Sony: 'no plans' for a PS3 price cut

That PlayStation 3 price drop rumored to be coming tomorrow? Not happening, according to Sony. In a statement given to Joystiq, SCEA public relations manager Al De Leon says, "we do not have plans for a PS3 price drop, and any rumors to that effect are false and are the result of speculation." Although we wouldn't put it past the company to deny it up until the second before an official announcement, we seriously doubt Sony would announce any sort of price cut on the day it's most likely to get drowned out by fake PSP2 mockups. No word on that speculated $100 PS2, but we wouldn't get our hopes up here, either.

Button Leads BrawnGP 1-2 in F1 Season Opener in Melbourne

The 2009 championship opener on Sunday lived up to its pre-season hype, with Jenson Button leading an eventful Brawn one-two at Albert Park.

The Briton, after two awful seasons for the Brackley team's previous guise Honda, crossed the line less than a second ahead of his teammate Rubens Barrichello, after a one-corner sprint to the finish following a safety car.

The safety car was required after Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica, fighting hard for second place, tangled mere laps from the chequered flag.

"I'm so sorry," German Vettel whimpered into his Red Bull's radio.

"I think he could have left me some more room," BMW's Kubica, who had subsequently slammed hard into the turn 5 barriers after losing a wing under the car, told reporters behind the pitlane.

Vettel attempted to power his badly damaged car around the track under the safety car for the remaining few laps, ignoring requests to pull over until the penultimate lap. A decision the German was left to rue as race stewards subsequently handed him a $50,000 fine and a 10 place grid penalty for the Malaysian Grand Prix next week.

The clash between Vettel and Kubica gifted the second step on the podium to Barrichello, who had a race of incidents, including nearly stalling at the start, triggering a first-corner crash, and later shedding some more front wing by tagging the rear of a Ferrari.

Jarno Trulli completed the podium despite starting from the pitlane following the 'flexi wing' disqualification of Saturday, ahead of a surprised world champion Lewis Hamilton.

However this podium finish was short lived. Following a stewards' inquiry,Trulli was been stripped of his podium finish after officials ruled that the Toyota driver overtook Lewis Hamilton under the safety car, after losing third position to the world champion by running off the track.

Italian Trulli received a 25 second time penalty, dropping him out of the points. McLaren's Hamilton was promoted to third, with Sebastien Bourdais joining the points-paying positions.

"Our car is what it is at the moment, but if anyone can turn it around quite quickly, it is us," the McLaren driver, one of only a few to stay out of trouble on Sunday, said in the paddock.

2009's only rookie, Sebastien Buemi, attracted some criticism this weekend for being promoted by Red Bull ahead of arguably more qualified GP2 drivers, but performed strongly to finish ahead of his teammate Sebastien Bourdais for a debut point.

Local driver Mark Webber was bitterly disappointed to finish a lap down and last. "It wasn't really embarrassing," said the Australian, who nursed a damaged car through 57 laps after early contact with Barrichello, "but a real shame as I wanted to do something for the fans here."

Ferrari kicked off its 2009 campaign with a disastrous nil points: Kimi Raikkonen spinning into a concrete wall and later retiring, while Felipe Massa also ended up in the garage with a failed F60.

Earth Hour - KLCC

Some of my photoshoot at KLCC.

Earth Hour

Earth Hour is about taking simple steps everyday that collectively reduce carbon emissions – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

Here are 10 different ways to spend Earth Hour and reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Attend a local Earth Hour event or organise your own by throwing an Earth Hour street party with your neighbours
2. Gather family & friends for a night picnic in your local park and look at the stars
3. Enjoy a family dinner by candlelight
4. Organise a treasure hunt in the dark
5. Take the dog for a night walk
6. Have a candle-lit bath
7. Sit in the dark and share stories
8. Organise a family night playing board games
9. Share a romantic night in with your loved one
10. Upload your ‘on the night’ photos and videos to flickr and YouTube respectively, and then add them to the Earth Hour flickr group and the global YouTube Group.

Mercedes, BMW & Volkswagen to Skip Tokyo Motor Show?

German automakers are looking for a way out of participating in the Tokyo motor show, but no one wants to be the first to announce it, according to Automotive News Europe.

The industry publication is reporting that BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both decided to withdraw from the show in order to cut costs and that Volkswagen and supplier Robert Bosch have not yet rendered a decision on the matter.

The German automotive industry paper Automobilwoche is also reporting that, according to its sources, Audi has followed suit and will pull out too, but has not yet officially announced the decision. The report says that automakers in Germany have discussed the matter with each other.

US automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have already withdrawn from the Tokyo show, as have Volvo, Saab, Peugeot, Fiat, Jaguar and Land Rover. At one point, the body that oversees the bi-annual event had considered canceling it but as of now, the show is still on, although the lack of European participation may change that.

It looks like the Tokyo motor show, if it happens at all, is going to be for Asian automakers only and the event will lose its international luster.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i now official

Canon just went live with that Rebel T1i DSLR that leaked a bit earlier, and it's looking like a hell of a response to the Nikon D90: an XSi body jacked with a sensor matching the 50Ds 15.1 megapixels, 1080p HD video recording, and a $900 price tag. Yeah, it's gonna be a hit. Other notable specs include a 3.0-inch Live View screen, a Digic IV processor, ISO 12.8k sensitivity, and the same 18-55 IS EF-S kit lens as the XSi -- in other words, all those rumors were true.

Transformers' 2 Megan Fox Gets Covered on Next Empire Issue!

Empire's newest issue features a cover story with Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen star Megan Fox. The print version of the magazine doesn't hit shelves until Thursday, March 26, but you can click here for what to expect in this upcoming issue.

Transformers 3 Officially in the Works!

Paramount and Dreamworks announced today that Transformers 3 was a go. According to Variety, the studios have given the potential blockbuster a release date of July 1st, 2011.

This is the first official word on Transformers 3. At this time, it could not be confirmed that either director Michael Bay or stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox would return to the franchise. At this early date, Transformers 3 has no direct competition for the July 4th weekend, 2011.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen is set to hit theater screens this summer on June 24th, 2009.

Canon and Nikon Dominates 2008 DSLR Market Share in Japan

When it comes to the strategically important and fast-growing market of SLR cameras, Canon remained No. 1 worldwide in 2007 but lost share to Nikon, new statistics show.

Canon sold 3.18 million single-lens reflex cameras in 2007 compared with Nikon's 2.98 million, according to a study released Tuesday by market researcher IDC. That represents a 42.7 percent and 40 percent share, respectively, of the 2007 SLR market. It's a much narrower margin for Canon than in 2006, when it had 46.7 percent of the market, compared with Nikon's 33 percent.

Canon remained the top dog in the total camera market in 2007, according to IDC. (Credit: CNET Networks, based on IDC data)

Nikon SLR shipments grew at a 71.1 percent rate, much faster than Canon's 29.3 percent rate, IDC said. To be sure, unit shipments don't reflect another important aspect of market share -- revenue, which IDC didn't detail. But Nikon released competitive higher-end models, the D3 and D300, in the second half of 2007, so there's plenty of pressure on Canon there, too.

The SLR market is of major importance to camera makers: it's competitive, and the SLR market is far less saturated than the compact camera market, where camera makers are focusing on getting people to buy replacements or multiple models. SLRs offer much faster performance and higher image-quality than compact models, and lenses can be changed for different shooting styles. Thus, photographers have been flocking to SLRs as prices drop.

The overall SLR market surged 41 percent to 7.45 million units, much faster than the 22.7 percent growth to 123.3 million units for compacts, according to the IDC stats.

There, too, Canon faced pressure.

"The larger issue rests on repeat buyers looking for more camera at less of a price in years past," IDC analyst Christopher Chute said, and Canon has been trying to maintain higher average selling prices even as others cut prices.

In the total camera market, Canon's 18.8 percent share of units shipped gave it the top rank. Next in line are Sony with 16 percent, Kodak with 9.6 percent, Samsung with 9 percent, Nikon with 8.4 percent, and Olympus with 8.3 percent.

New rules 'disadvantaged' Ferrari

Ferrari is facing "a slight disadvantage" heading into the 2009 season, its team boss Stefano Domenicali has admitted.

First, reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton's employer McLaren this week admitted its new MP4-24 is not ready to win races, and now the 2008 constructors' title winner has spoken with a similarly cautionary tone.

"Who, like us and our main competitors, was working until the last moment on the development of the 2008 car, might have a slight disadvantage compared to those who gave up last year and dedicated themselves and their resources to a new project," Domenicali said.

Maranello based Ferrari was believed to hold a slight edge on a close group of rivals this winter, but Domenicali admits last week's Barcelona test - remarkably dominated by the former Honda team Brawn - has blurred the picture.

Asked where Ferrari stands, Domenicali answered: "I don't want you to think that I'm avoiding an answer, but it's more difficult than ever to say anything about the levels on the track.

"Until a couple of days ago there was a great equilibrium between the different teams - some expected and some a bit less - and then there was Brawn GP's exploit. Their performance was incredibly surprising and they have to be watched with care.

"We think that we're part of the more competitive teams, but there are still many unknown factors to consider; we have to wait for Melbourne to get the answers," the Italian added.

Domenicali also commented on Flavio Briatore's assertion that up to three teams may be circumventing the new aerodynamic regulations in the area of the rear diffuser.

"We think that we've applied the modified regulations - after the works done by the OWG (overtaking working group) together with the FIA - to the letter," he said.

"It might be that others took a different approach; the FIA has to dissipate any doubt; let's hope they'll do if fast and clear."

Corel Painter 11 released

Corel Corporation has released Painter 11, the newest edition of the painting and illustration software, with more than 40 new and enhanced features, including 40 hard media variants and the new Markers category.

Next Generation Audi A8 Coming in 2010

German car news outlet Automobilwoche claims Audi has confirmed a 2010 release for the new Audi A8. This validates rumors about the A8 that have been around for a while.

An Audi spokesman told the Automobilwoche, "Our new flagship will come next year."

WCF previously reported that the Audi A8 will be released with two diesel and two petrol engines. The two engine displacements available will include a 3.0-liter and 4.2-liter V8. It does not appear that Audi will release a hybrid version of the car, unlike the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class. However, Audi will likely improve A8 fuel consumption with a start-stop automatic. An Audi S8 could see the benefit of a 620 hp 5.0-liter V10 FSI.

It is also looking more likely that the Audi A8 will use the ASF II, the second generation of the company's Aluminum Space Frame. It uses an aluminum passenger cell, with steel and foam built in to reinforce vulnerable areas.

No word yet on the debut location of the new 2010 Audi A8. An introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September seems to be a distinct possibility.

Pentax K2000/ K-M announced

For many years, Pentax was often in the position of offering the least-expensive DSLR on the market with some keenly-priced entry-level offerings. However, the latest generation of down-specced and aggressively-priced models from Nikon and Sony have dramatically changed the price-conscious end of the market. Pentax has clearly been watching these developments closely and has responded with this, the Pentax K2000 (K-m in Europe).

The K2000 follows many of the trends we've previously seen in camera-downsizing, with Pentax finally giving-in to the trend of removing the top-panel LCD. It uses the K200D's sensor but comes with a simplified control layout (geared towards users coming from compact cameras) and a less sophisticated AF-system (5 points vs 11 on the K200D). The K-m also lacks the K200D's weather-sealing but in turn you get an ISO 3200 setting and slightly quicker continuous shooting.

Olympus E-620 announced

Olympus has announced the E-620 upper entry-level DSLR. The 12.3MP camera is packed with features from the recently introduced E-30 in a body nearer the size of the the E-420. It incorporates image stabilization, a 2.7" tilt and swivel LCD and features such as Shadow Adjustment Technology. From the E-30 come a selection of Art Filters, a Multiple Exposure mode, a choice of 4 aspect ratios. A range of optional accessories will be available, including a vertical grip and an underwater housing.
Olympus has established a tradition of offering very well specified cameras in the entry-level, and was one of the first to offer two cameras in this bracket - the little E-410 and its image-stabilized big brother, the E-510 (later upgraded to the 420 and 520 respectively). Now it has introduced the E-620, a model that will 'sell alongside' the E-420 and E-520 (in the sense that we suspect it will eventually replace the E-520) as the company's attempt at a '450D-killer'.

And, even by Olympus's standards of entry-level generosity, it's not short on toys - including an articulated screen to make full use of its live view system, which itself is one of the better implementations of this feature (from the company that got there first). It's also got 'Art' modes and the ability to shoot in four different aspect ratios - adapted from the features of the recently announced E-30. There's also in-body Image Stabilization and a level of configurability that is unparalleled in this class. In fact it's astonishing how much Olympus has crammed into its small dimensions - it's nearer to the size of the E-4X0 than the E-5X0 series (due in part to use of the small BLS-1 battery), and the E-420 was famously the smallest DSLR in the world.

More importantly, perhaps, the E-620 seems to address some of the main shortcomings of the E-520 - the viewfinder is slightly larger and has been reworked so that the information panel appears below the view screen, rather than tucked-away off to the right. It also moves on from the old three-point AF system with the introduction of a seven-point version, which includes five cross-type sensors. In fact, the specification of the E-620 is so high that it makes as much sense for us to compare it to Olympus's recently introduced semi-pro body, the E-30, as to the company's existing entry-level models.

Riquelme snubs Argentina after Maradona row

Stylish playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has apparently turned his back on the Argentina national side after a row with coach Diego Maradona.

Riquelme, who is currently with Boca Juniors, went on national television to drop the bombshell news.

"As long as Maradona is coach I will not return to the national side -- we are not on the same wavelength," he told TV channel Canale 13.

"It's clear we cannot work together," the 30-year-old added.

The center of the disagreement appears to be on the role Riquelme is being asked to play by Maradona, who also left him out of a recent February 11 friendly against France.

"The national side is over for me -- I say that very clearly. I learned from the radio that I was not going to play against France.

"I have principles and they are not those of the coach," Riquelme went on.

His withdrawal will be a major blow for Argentina, who are seven points behind leaders Paraguay in South American World Cup qualifying but still well-placed to make the finals in South Africa next year.

"It's a shame to know I will miss the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and I wish the team all the best. If I go things would not be easy and I prefer that someone else goes in my place," Riquelme concluded.

The former Barcelona and Villarreal star captained Argentina to Olympic gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing but has walked out on the national side previously in 2006 before returning under Alfio Basile, who made way for Maradona at the end of last year

My penang trip....photo session

My DSLR group trip to Penang...

Michael Bay Wants Frank Welker for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

It seems that Michael Bay is listening to the fans. Director Michael Bay has posted on his message board forums the he is going after Frank Welker, the original voice of Megatron, for the voice of Soundwave in Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.

The director responded to a fan thread, which cited an interview with Welker and pled for the director to use his voice, with a brief statement.

I think I'm going to pursue Frank on Soundwave.

Blackberry STORM

Some local importers already been spotted selling the eagerly awaited Blackberry STORM pda phone. Price range between RM2100 - RM2500.

Dell's Adamo teased by robots with lasers

Ah, the teaser, this time in the form of the elusive Dell Adamo. It's all here: an ephemeral feel, robots, lasers, a fashion model, and a catchy slow-jam tugging at the bootstraps of urban cool. Sure, it doesn't tell us a damn thing more about Dell's ultra-slim, luxury laptop. But if you're in for an exquisite tease done with perfection, this is it.

source : engadget.com

Finalized USB 3.0 tests just months away, consumer devices set for next year

We've heard the details and watched the bits fly in person, and now representatives from Agilent Technologies Inc. are saying that test specifications for the SuperSpeediest standard ever will be fully ratified by the end of June. Sure, you probably don't care much about the internal workings of the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF for those fond of acronyms), but without tests manufacturers can't certify their devices, and with no certification that 500MBps external USB HDD of your dreams will never come to market. However, if all goes to plan and those standards fall in place before the dog days of summer begin, USB-IF members expect consumer devices should hit shelves in 2010. Better start saving.

Mercedes S-Class Coupe Facelift Spied

Here's a look at the upcoming standard S-Class Coupe.

"Standard" meaning as opposed to the AMG version we've previously had a sneak peek at.

New in the S-Class Coupe (besides the name, as it replaces the CL) will be the redesigned headlights, the addition of LED-day driving lights, a different grill that slants much less, full LED tail lights, new front and rear bumpers and a new set of pipes for the exhaust.

Engines expected are the same range as seen in the S-Class series, likely coming with improvements in fuel economy and upped performance output through engine management techniques that Mercedes-Benz is constantly developing.

An S-Class Coupe 400 BlueHybrid may also be in the works as the S-Class sedan version is already expected this May. The 400 BlueHybrid features a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 279 hp coupled with an electric motor of 20 hp and a combined torque reading of 385 Nm. With the addition of stop-start technology, the 400 BlueHybrid rates an impressive fuel economy of 7.9 liters per 100 km for the full-sized S-Class.

Canon EOS 50D vs Nikon D90

At first glance, the two chambers of Canon EOS 50D and the Nikon D90, the machines are really attractive for any fan and it seems they wanted to surprise, including details and features the latest generation. Without doubt, represent an incentive for those who seek the ultimate (though many are happy to see that previous models lowered their prices; speaks Canon 40D and the Nikon D80).

Let us see the advantages of both machines:

* Sensors. There is no doubt the two Japanese manufacturers have sought to integrate the latest generation sensors. In the case of Canon, it is a 15.1-megapixel CMOS and 12.3 megapixel Nikon, both are APS-C. Few difference, Canon offers the highest resolution, but these dimensions is not a figure of the definition of better quality.

* However, greater importance was the type of processor. The recent IV DIGIC Canon and Nikon as usual EXPE. It seems that Canon has sought to give an additional quality to this process very large number of pixels, with the last generation able to greatly reduce noise at high ISO values. On a comprehensive test is where you notice the difference, because the Nikon is the same model that incorporates higher (D300 and D3).

* Both devices have auto cleaning sensor forced something today, HDMI (something that starts to spread), in addition to incorporating a 3-inch LCD screen with the same resolution (920,000 pixels). Both screens also show the display system in real time by cons. These are the parameters that make them similar to the maximum.

* Speed shooting. Here are the Canon 50D takes advantage. It can reach up to 6.3 fps and the Nikon D90 reached 4.5 fps. It is clear that Canon is faster, so it is more appropriate for sports or wildlife photography, for example. And with these values is placed on his rival.

* Focus. The Nikon includes 11 points or areas for priority action in relation to 9 on a cross from Canon. We would certainly try to detail, whether to have somewhere addition, improving the approach or what is faster.

* Regarding the size and weight of the body is also similar. The Canon has a slightly higher dimensions and weight (without the battery or card) of 730 grams compared to 620 grams of Nikon. For what is a little light (no goals).

* Regarding the battery, according to initial indications, it seems that Nikon took the palm, with a maximum capacity of 850 shots, compared to 640 of its competitor. These characteristics are very subjective, but a priori Nikon batteries have greater capacity.

* ISO. Nor are a significant number because it depends on the quality of the image, but the Canon is able to help us achieve the 3,200 and 12,800 forced mode. For its part, Nikon arrives from 200 to 3200 (and forced 6,400). In any event, it seems that the sensor and Canon’s latest processor achieves low noise levels at high sensitivity in a very satisfactory. Again a comparison test to help us choose in this aspect, but Canon seems to be more at risk (is it because they know that their quality in this area?).

* Memory Cards. Here differ both manufacturers. Canon continues with the usual Compact Flash cards and the possibility for the version with UDMA fast. For its part, Nikon, as it did in the D60, uses SD cards and SDHC (also in charge of the Eye-Fi), a wager on this model supports more widespread (which are used almost all compact) and whose prices are slightly lower (with little difference with CF in some models).

* Video recording. This is undoubtedly the great advantage of Nikon. The D90 is the first of its range to include the possibility of video recording, a defendant so far little use for users of reflex, but could be extended in a short period of time, if it manages to succeed . It is capable of capturing moving images on HD until 1.280×720 pixels at 24 frames per second. A novelty to be taken into account and which opens up new opportunities that will attract many fans to digital imaging.

So do we choose Canon EOS 50d or Nikon D90?

As can be seen, it becomes a very difficult choice based on their technical specifications, because these are two models with advanced functions and very similar. The main advantages of the Canon 50D would be speed, which includes the possibility of shooting in RAW (sRAW-1 and sRAW-2), but with less resolution, so that generated files take up less space . In addition to having the highest ISO sensitivity, and his body magnesium alloy resistant and protects against atmospheric agents (small splashes and dust) for its seal on the battery cover and map.

Regarding the Nikon, it could highlight its battery lasting a little light for an advanced model, the ability to record video and incorporates a GPS system which is offered as an option.

Two reflex complete for those who require the most, with the latest technology, will ensure that those who are reluctant to ask for a device of this range. While it is undeniable that Nikon was more risky to include video recording, perhaps looking for new users to whom they can be useful for this possibility. Although the model it replaces, the D80 took some time on the market, with the Canon 40D, with barely a year and remains an attractive option.

LG considering withdrawal from plasma market

Man, plasma's headed downhill -- and fast. Hot on the heels of both Pioneer and VIZIO tendering their resignation in the plasma market, LG's vice president Lee Gyu-hong has reportedly stated that his company is currently pondering its own future in the sector. Should LG pull out, just Panasonic and Hitachi will be left holding down the PDP fort. Purportedly, LG's plasma business is deteriorating in terms of profitability, and the VP stated that future cost savings were practically impossible. At this point (and after coming clean like this), it'd be sort of crazy for LG not to drop out, but what's even crazier is going from five major plasma makers to two within the course of two months. Yikes.

Warner Bros. plans to support CBHD, the format war is back on -- at least in China

It seems appropriate that after striking the fatal blow in the war between HD DVD and Blu-ray, Warner is the first to break rank and ally itself with the China Blue HD team. Ready to enter the ordinary Chinese consumer's family, according to Managing Director Tony Vaughan, the Harry Potter series, Speed Racer and others will launch for 50-70 yuan ($7.30 - $10.22) per disc. Excuse us while we pick our jaws up from the floor, but with at least one Hollywood studio in pocket and 1999 yuan ($292) players on the way the son of HD DVD looks remarkably closer to a real Blu-ray competitor (and less like the destined for the scrap heap reject we predicted) than ever. With DVD sales shrinking and Blu-ray not quite ready to pick up the slack, how long until another studio decides the Chinese market has enough potential to publish movies on CBHD?

Sony looks to help consumers out with new swivel HDMI cables

Sony's launching its own version of the suddenly popular swivel head HDMI cable, with both vertical and horizontal links going on sales this month in lengths of about three or six feet. At $50 and $60, respectively, they solve the need for "costly" 90 degree adapters ($3 or so at Monoprice or other online retailers) and save space on flat panel wall mounts. Of course, if you were planning on wildly overpaying for HDMI cables already, they're really not that bad. It's all about perspective.

Slumdog Millionaire goes from Academy Awards stage to Blu-ray disc March 31

Fresh off an Academy Awards Best Picture win (beating out Blu-ray sales king & BD screened The Dark Knight), Fox is dropping Slumdog Millionaire into homes quickly, with a DVD / Blu-ray release planned March 31. Beyond being an incredible award-winning film, it's reportedly one of the first winners filmed mostly in digital, which should let the 1080p transfer with English or Hindi 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtracks come through exactly as the director intended. Also included are three Blu-ray disc exclusive features (From Script To Screen: Toilet Scene, Indian Short Film - Manjha, Bombay Liquid Dance Music Video) and a digital copy.

Toshiba intros power-sipping REGZA C8000 HDTVs in Japan

While the latest Toshiba HDTVs from Japan don't seem to sport any questionably useful upscaling technologies, the REGZA C8000 line does look to save you a few bucks on your monthly energy bill. The 32-inch 32C8000, 37-inch 37C8000 and 42-inch 42C8000 reportedly suck down anywhere between 31- and 51-percent less energy than prior models, with all three also sporting 120Hz Speed Clear Motion tech to nix those judders when watching intensely fast-moving scenes. The whole lot also includes digital TV tuners, while only the larger two get outfitted with 1080p panels (the 32-incher does 1,366 x 768).

Need for Speed SHIFT 'best-looking racing game from EA'

Need for Speed SHIFT is "the best-looking racing game ever made", developer Slightly Mad Studios has boldly claimed. Not only that, but the stunning screen shots are all in-game, and not, as some have suggested, renders.

SHIFT, due out on Xbox 360, PS3, PC and PSP this autumn, is gunning for Turn 10's Forza 2 and Bizarre's PGR4 following it's reinvention as a serious racer. The Need for Speed series has traditionally been more of a mission-based arcade racer.

The last Need for Speed game, Undercover, was slammed by critics for its poor graphical performance. It scored a disappointing 6/10 in our review, and suffered from a "terrible frame rate" and "choppy visuals".

SHIFT, however, looks like a graphical powerhouse, as you'll know if you've read our hands-on preview.

When asked if she thought SHIFT was the best-looking racing game ever made, Suzi Wallace, the game's producer, told VideoGamer.com: "Of course. The engine for us, you know we've come a long way with it and there's been lots of improvements, but we think it's way above our previous titles. I think it's the best-looking racer out there. If you look at our cockpits especially, there are other games with cockpits out there but I do think we've got the most stunning-looking cockpits."

She added that the developer was delighted by the scepticism surrounding the first first screen shot released by publisher EA, insisting it was, like all screen shots of the game, in-game.

She said: "We were quite chuffed when people were going 'that's blatantly a render, that's definitely a render, there's no way it's in game'. It was like, well we know it is. None of our screen shots are edited in any way. If people out there think it's a render and we know it's in game, my boss was quite happy with that. That went down quite well!"

UPDATE: Hugo Weaving and Michael Bay Confirm Megatron's Return in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Hugo Weaving has proven that one more piece of the news that Michael Bay has "confirmed" about Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen is false - namely that Megatron wouldn't be appearing in the film. Weaving, who was promoting his film Last Ride, told the Australian site AdelaideNow that he would, indeed, be in the sequel film.

"I've already done it," Weaving says, adding Bay had told him to keep the news hush-hush. "He's over in LA and we were working on the video split sort of thing and I had this strange conversation where he seemed to imply it was all a big secret. So there you go. I've given you the secret scoop."

Weaving was not, however, willing to reveal the secret as to how the Decepticon leader would be resurrected, but he did give a hint. "I think in the last one, doesn't Optimus Prime pick up a little bit of, a little shard of the cube, or the thing that's left, and he takes it with him. Maybe there's something there... but I don't know," the actor laughed.

In Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots return for the live action follow up to Michael Bay's 2007 blockbuster Transformers, nationwide on June 24. Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Isabel Lucas, Rainn Wilson star.

UPDATE: (3/5/08 1:45 PM PST) Director Michael Bay has also confirmed the return of Megatron on his official website. Take a look at the brief post from the director, posted earlier today, below.

Okay cat is out of the bag. Megatron is back ---- but you will only get to see him from the long lost past. We go way back in time as this movie explains the mythology of the Primes. He is not a tank like everyone suggests, but an alien vehicle. But sadly he does not has much screen time.

Mercedes-Benz SPLITVIEW Screen Technology

Sometimes when two or more people disagree, it's best to split them up. Mercedes-Benz is thinking along the same lines with its new SPLITVIEW technology which will premier where else but in the S-Class in summer 2009. The technology's premise is to basically allow two different programmes to be viewed from the same 8-inch screen.

How does it work? Basically the in-dash monitor shows a backlit active matrix TFT-LCD screen that shows two different images at the same time by placing pixels adjacent to each other. Then a filter which masks the display separates the mixed pixels making one or the other image viewable depending on the seating position. This results in two different images being shown.

SPLITVIEW is developed by Mercedes in conjunction with Bosch and it integrates with COMAND. The front passenger can then watch movies or television while the driver concentrates on the road. To further split the two, headphones can be used to insulate the driver from whatever soundtrack is being played from the other "screen".

Kia Forte

Termnator Salvation

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Official Unveiling in Geneva

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe at Geneva

We've seen countless spy photos and prototypes in various stages of camouflage, but the real deal is finally here: Mercedes has officially unveiled the 2010 E-Class Coupe at Geneva. The new E-Class coupe replaces the CLK, and joins the sedan on an all-new chassis. The car goes on sale in Europe this May.

The dramatic, pillarless window styling is reminiscent of the larger CL coupe, and gives the E-Class' new lines a distinctively sporty edge. A broad, chiseled chin and flared rear fenders give the E-Class Coupe an aggressive look and a strong brand identity, a vital component of success in the luxury-coupe market.

The E-Class Coupe debuts with five models: three gasoline and two diesels. The 204-horsepower four-cylinder E 250 CGI and 292-horse V6 E 350 CGI gasoline engines feature direct-injection fuel delivery that improves fuel economy by up to 14 percent over the outgoing CLK. V8 power comes in the form of the E 500 and a bell-ringing 388 horsepower. An AMG version is expected to bow later in the year. On the diesel side, the E 250 CDI features an all-new 2.5 liter twin-turbo four-cylinder with common-rail injection. Horsepower is the same as the gasoline four-cylinder, but torque is up to 500 Nm, an improvement of almost 200 Nm over the E 250 CGI. The turbocharged common-rail V6 is also still available, in the E 350 CDI.

Riding on the new E-Class chassis means that the sedan's innovations are available on the coupe as well. The breaking-news driver drowsiness detection, road sign recognition, PRE-SAFE impact-reduction system, adaptive headlamps and pedestrian-protecting Active Bonnet features from the E-Class sedan are shared with the coupe. An Agility Control active suspension is also offered. Mercedes will offer a Dynamic Driving package on the E-Class coupe that allows the driver to adjust suspension settings.

Mercedes is taking orders for the E-Class coupe now. The pricing in Germany (which includes a 19% VAT) starts at €44,684.50 for the E 250 CDI or CGI. The E 350 CDI Coupé comes in at €48,671, and the E 350 CGI at €51,408. The range-topping E 500 Coupé is €66,045.

Man United beats Spurs in League Cup in shootout

WEMBLEY, England (AP)—Manchester United won the League Cup with a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Tottenham on Sunday that kept the English league leaders on course for an unprecedented five trophies this season.

After a 0-0 draw through extra time, United goalkeeper Ben Foster saved Tottenham’s first shootout kick from Jamie O’Hara and David Bentley missed the third before Anderson hit the winning penalty.

The victory gave United its second trophy of the season following December’s Club World Cup title. The Red Devils also lead the Premier League by seven points, are in contention for the Champions League and play Fulham in the FA Cup quarterfinals next weekend.

“We’re not going to get carried away with it,” United manager Alex Ferguson said. “We’ll keep our feet on the ground. A deflected shot goes off someone’s backside at Fulham on Wednesday and you’re out of the cup. Today proved that.

“Without Ben Foster, we’d have lost that.”

Foster made two crucial saves during the match to deny Aaron Lennon and Darren Bent and prevent defending champion Tottenham from retaining the trophy. United could have won the match in regulation when Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in the shootout alongside Ryan Giggs and Carlos Tevez, hit the post in injury time.

United’s defense appeared uncharacteristically shaky as Lennon continually ran at and past left back Patrice Evra, sending in cross after cross.

The difference between the teams seemed to be the strength in depth. While O’Hara and Bentley both missed penalties after coming on as substitutes, Giggs scored for United.

“We played the best team in Europe today and it wasn’t their kids,” Redknapp said. “Vidic comes on and Giggs comes on and you look at their team and it’s very strong. They wanted to win as much as we did.”

Many of Spurs’ best chances were wasted by Roman Pavyluchenko, who put a free header high and wide while unmarked and did the same with a free kick before being replaced by O’Hara.

Ronaldo had been subdued by Tottenham left back Beniot Assou-Ekotto for most of the match and his attacking efforts curtailed further by a 67th-minute yellow card for diving in the area.

With United vulnerable, manager Alex Ferguson brought on Nemanja Vidic as a 76th-minute replacement for John O’Shea.

Spurs still threatened, particularly when Foster stopped Bent’s rebound shot after Luka Modric had an effort blocked, but United was too strong.