Civilization IV for Mac coming early 2006
Posted by Lab Rat
Aspyr announced today that they will be publishing the latest version of the massively addictive turn-based strategy game, Civilization IV for the Mac, due out in early 2006. Also announced is the planned release of Civilization III: Complete for Mac, with a target date of December 2005.
(above: Civilization IV)
Civilization III: Complete combines the original Civilization III and adds both the “Conquests� and “Play the World� expansion packs. The “Conquests� pack adds more of everything you love about Civilization III, including 7 new civilizations, more types of units and unit abilities, more wonders and scenarios, and AI improvements. The “Play the World� expansion pack adds 8 new civilizations, but more importantly, will allow Mac users to finally play online against other Civilization addicts (although, they will mainly be playing fellow Civ III Mac users, as most PC gamers will already be firmly entrenched in Civilization IV, released for the PC earlier this month.)
Mac users have been forced to grow accustomed to the inevitable delay in porting hot-selling PC titles to the Mac. In most cases, Mac publishers must wait for the final version of a PC game to be completed before they can get their hands on the source code to begin their port. Civilization IV hit the streets for PC users a couple weeks ago in a special limited Presale Edition, still available on Amazon..
(above: Civilization IV’s new 3D map view)
It has not been confirmed as to whether or not Civ IV for Mac will have identical features to the PC version, but the list of improvements to the PC version should give Mac gamers something to look forward to. New to Civilization IV is a brand new and beautifully rendered 3 D environment with new unit animations and customizable armies. Wonder movies are back. A new Team Play mode allows users to set alliances and share wonders, either online or in single player mode. There is online play out of the box, and extensive modability, including a powerful Map Editor. And of course there are a bunch of exciting new civilizations and units to be discovered as well. Full information on the updated feature set can be found on the official Civilization 4 website.
Sonnet announces new high-capacity iPod replacement batteries
Posted by Helper Monkey
Sonnet has announced a new series of replacement batteries for most versions of Apple’s iPod music players. Owners of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation iPods, as well as the iPod mini, can purchase new batteries capable of providing up to a 78% increase over the stock battery which shipped with the unit. Sonnet ships the batteries in a kit which includes all the tools need to replace the battery yourself, as well as an instructional video demonstrating the procedure. The replacement of the battery will void any warranty you may have with Apple, however odds are if you are replacing the battery, your iPod is out of warranty anyway. Prices are extremely reasonable at $39.95 for the 1st and 2nd gen iPods, and only $29.95 for 3rd and 4th gen, and iPod minis.
Apple has its own iPod Out-of-warranty Battery Replacement Program, however they charge $65.95 per iPod, and you will get a battery with less charge than those offered by Sonnet.
iTunes video sales off to strong start
Posted by Dr. Macenstein
The Mac Observer claims video sales via the iTunes music store are selling above and beyond Apple’s expectations. Earlier today, The Sydney Morning Herald published an interview with Eddy Cue, global head of iTunes, where they asked about the possibility of video content being made available for purchase in the newly announced Australian iTunes music store. “It’s something we just started in the US and we have nothing to announce at this time. “ said Cue. “We have figures from the US [that] we’ve not shared yet … but what I will tell you is that we are very, very happy with the results we’ve seen so far.” .
It seems the success of the video store has encouraged ABC to follow through on its promise to make more shows available through iTunes. Albert Chang, executive vice president of digital media for the Disney ABC Television Group told a mobile entertainment conference in San Diego Monday that more shows will be available as soon as the network finalizes agreements with the actors, writers, musicians, etc. of those programs.
In a recent interview with the website TechWeb, Chang is quoted as saying “We expect our mobile video subscriber business to reach 14 million in 2009, up from about 200,000 today.”
Obviously those numbers will not be all iTunes-related sales. Currently, ABC has plans to make content available for a wide range of wireless and mobile devices, not just the video iPod.
Apple stock climbs to “dangerous� levels
Posted by Igor
Apple stock rose yet again in active trading this morning, gaining $1.40, or 2.31%, and reaching a new high of $57.50 by 12 PM (EST). Apple’s stock price has caused considerable concern on Wall Street as of late, as The Street’s Walter Emmerling explained in a recent article. “Apple’s stock is quickly approaching the $60 mark which many analysts have set as an achievable price target.” writes Emmerling. “The problem is, if Apple’s stock should actually hit that goal, the Earth will stop rotating, and its molten core will freeze solid.”
While this is welcome news to anti-global warming advocates, Julie Stitzenberg of the Wildlife Conservation Society says it actually poses a great threat to all living creatures on the planet, with the possible exception of Penguins. “I love the iPod as much as anyone”, writes Stitzenberg. “But if having 15,000 songs in my pocket means the end of life on Earth as we know it, then what’s the point?”
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