Today’s ToN is very game-centric – this is the news that interests me – so for the people who are more interested in the tech side of ToN; I’ll type about that first.

Apple have released iOS 4,1 for the iPhone 4, 3GS, 3G and iPod Touch 2G and later. The update brings a number of new features to the aforementioned devices, as well as some security patches. 4.1 brings the recently announced Game Centre to iOS devices, and thus marks the beginning of Apple’s foray into the gaming industry.

On a more personal note, the update will supposedly improve performance on iPhone 3G’s running iOS 4. As an owner of a 3G running iOS 4, which has had its battery life reduced to less than 12 hours and is about as smooth an experience as pulling my earlobe across a rusty saw, I welcome the chance to return my expensive piece of hardware back into something that I can use.

Yesterday, I typed about Google’s logo, and how the web was abuzz with predictions that this was to do with their instant search results. Well, it turns out the web was correct. Google have made live their instant search. Now, when you type a search string on the main Google page, the search box will jump to the top of the page at your first keystroke and search results will instantly show up based on what you have typed.

The search box also shows greyed out letters to complete your search query to what Google thinks you are typing. There’s not really much to say that wasn’t said in yesterdays ToN, although it is worth mentioning that Google have estimated that this feature will save 11 hours of human time per second, when you combine all searches at any given time. This just shows you the kind of time Google have on their hands.

Now, the gaming news! The first signs of a new gaming console have emerged as the man behind the Metroid series, Yoshio Sakamoto, has stated that Nintendo’s next home console will ‘blow your mind.’ He didn’t really say anything about the console in terms of features or specs, but his words lead me (and most of the web, seemingly) to the conclusion that Nintendo are at least working on a new console.

This news isn’t exactly shocking; the Wii is by far the weakest of the current line up of home consoles, and with both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 both bringing out motion controllers, the novelty of the Wii’s control system will do little to move more units. Add to that, the lack of any real storage space for downloadable contact, the lack of HD and the graphics that are easily rivalled (and surpassed) by a number of mobile phones these days, and you can see why Nintendo might want to get something new out of the gates.

As to whether it will have the same success that the Wii has enjoyed, it seems unlikely. Simply bringing out a ‘Wii HD’ will do little to win over Xbox or PlayStation gamers, nor convince Wii owners that the ‘upgrade’ will be worth it. That said, if Yoshio really believes that the new console will blow our minds there may be something ground breaking in the works.

Microsoft have announced that an Xbox 360/Kinect bundle (the new Xbox, of course) will be out in the US this November for $400. The bundle will include Kinect Adventures, and works out at around $50 cheaper than if you were to buy them separately.

I had intended, from the day of the announcement, to buy a new Xbox 360, but held off once it was released because I knew that I would also be buying Kinect at some point, and as my Elite is working just fine right now, there was no rush and I could wait for a good Xbox/Kinect bundle. I have to say, this doesn’t look like it. I may be being naive, but $100 seems like a fairer discount.

It may be a moot point, however, as this is a US bundle, and I live in the UK. American companies tend to forget about currency exchange when selling their devices over here, and even at times when the pound is worth 2 dollars, a $1899 device is sold here for £1499. I can do maths, you know!

Some other stuff

One of my games of all time is Mass Effect 2. I’m a little behind on the DLC, so I have gotten around to playing the latest addition, Lair of the Shadow Broker, but IGN have posted a review, and the DLC sounds awesome! It’s approximately 3 hours, has some stunning environments and some great story (according to IGN). I recently started playing through Mass Effect 2 again, to get some of those achievements I missed, and see some of the other story options. So this DLC will definitely be sucked onto my Xbox before long.

Microsoft have announced that Final Fantasy XIII will be released on the Japanese Xbox. This is only really worth mentioning because, while it was originally a multi-platform game, it was only released on the PlayStation 3 in Japan. I think this about-face may be a sign that Xbox is doing better than expected in Japan; a very Sony loyal country.

Update: Since I began writing this story, news has come out that Xbox/Kinect bundle, mentioned above, will be coming to UK 6 days later than the US (November 10), and will be £299. This is about £30 cheaper than buying a new Xbox 360 and Kinect separately, so it works out about the same discount as in the US.

That’s all the news and opinion for today. Check back tomorrow for more rambling, if I’ve managed to put Mass Effect 2 down for long enough to type it.

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