sims

I've personally driven an F1 simulator, but I doubt it even comes close to the CXC Motion Pro II. For starters, it features an elaborate motion and force feedback system, as well as an authentic racing seat for realism. This is further complemented by a powerful audio-visual setup that consists of up to three 46-inch screens and a 5.1-channel surround sound system.

That said, the Motion Pro II is extremely pricey. A basic configuration, bundled with a single screen and eight pieces of software such as iRacing and GTR2, is priced at $25,995. The cost can easily add up to more than $40,000 if you upgrade to a panoramic three-screen display with other optional accessories ranging from a brake feedback system to a carbon fiber body kit. … Read more

No, that's not a typo. Customers are reporting SIM card failures across all carriers, including CDMA-based Verizon and Sprint, which actually use the micro SIMs included in the iPhone 4S to roam on GSM networks as part of the "world phone" experience touted by Apple.

AT&T customer and Apple Support Communities member "robsdoghouse" experienced SIM card failure just after purchasing the iPhone 4S.

"I started experimenting with Siri and a couple minutes later the phone was hotter than usual and I get Sim Card failure, and Bad SIM messages."

Over 17 … Read more

Awhile ago, Apple said it wanted SIM cards to be even smaller than the already tiny micro-Sim used in the iPhone 4 and 4S, and now the nano-SIM card is basically here.

Giesecke & Devrient, a German technology company, today announced a SIM card that's just two-thirds the size of the micro-SIM. The company says the new nano-SIM enables manufacturers to produce devices that are even thinner while offering an equivalent, if not better, level of wireless performance.

The new nano-SIM could find its way into mobile devices as early as next year. The relationship between Apple and G&D is unclear, but we're going to make an educated guess that you might find this in the next generation of the iPhone.… Read more

iPhone 4S buyers looking for an unlocked version of the new phone can now grab one directly from Apple.

The company has just started selling an unlocked and contract-free version of its new phone. In a nutshell, that means you can use the iPhone 4S without shelling out money for the usual two-year carrier contract. You can then jump from one network to another by picking up and inserting a micro-SIM card, which is available from each supported carrier.

An unlocked phone is especially handy for people who travel around the world and want to be able to use it … Read more

Sprint Nextel wants to make sure its iPhone 4S customers are going to stick with it.

The wireless carrier plans to begin locking the SIM on iPhone4S devices today, as first reported by SprintFeed. The company will only unlock the SIM when the phone is taken abroad.

Sprint confirmed that the SIM is locked for both domestic and international calling for the iPhone 4S. Customers in "good standing" for at least 90 days can request to have their SIM unlocked for international use.

With the SIM locked down, customers are unable to switch carriers domestically. For years, AT&… Read more

Ever wonder what it would be like to own your own island? Well, with Paradise Island for Android, you can at least simulate the experience. In this "freemium" simulator game, you are the owner of a small sector of a tropical island, on which you work to build a perfect resort getaway. As you build more attractions and entice more tourists, your wealth grows, and eventually (if you're good enough) you can expand your empire to cover the entire island.

With enough money, you can build resorts, restaurants, casinos, hot dog stands, shopping centers, monuments, pyramids, waterslides, … Read more

Thrustmaster has announced an authentic, life-size controller modeled after a Ferrari 150 Italia Formula 1 racing wheel. The replica is covered with buttons, switches, and dials, as well as two F1-style "push and pull" metal shifters. It's designed as a replacement wheel for the company's existing T500 RS racing system featuring 1,080-degree rotation, powerful force-feedback and a heavy-duty metal footrest.

A full setup will cost close to $800 ($199 for the F1 wheel and $599 for the T500 RS), which can be hard to stomach for most gamers even though it is PC- and PS3-compatible. But for that price, you do get an advanced PC mode that supports 25 action buttons and a directional pad for race simulation junkies. The Ferrari F1 Wheel add-on will be launched in early October.

(Source: Crave Asia via Ubergizmo) … Read more

Electronic Arts is having unprecedented success on Facebook, thanks to the Sims.

According to The Sims Social Facebook page, the game now has more than 22 million monthly active users. In a tweet today, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said that by reaching that milestone, the game is now "EA's most successful Facebook game."

Reaching the top wasn't all that difficult. EA has a host of Facebook games, but none can match the popularity of The Sims Social. Madden NFL Superstars, for example, has less than 600,000 monthly active users. Monopoly Millionaires has a little less than 3 million monthly active users, while Restaurant City 4.7 million monthly active users.

The Sims Social, which launched on Facebook earlier this year, allows users to create their own Sims and basically live their lives for them. In a press release announcing the game in June, EA said the title lets users "engage with every aspect of their Sims social lives from the intense emotion of a first kiss to the flawless execution of a hilarious prank."

Although The Sims Social is becoming quite popular, it has a long way to go to catch up to Facebook favorites FarmVille and CityVille. FarmVille currently has more than 34 million monthly active users, while CityVille has nearly 76 million monthly active users.… Read more

Turn 10 Studios, developer of the Forza Motorsport series, has released a behind-the-scenes video of the step-by-step process that goes into translating a real-world racetrack into a fully digital track that players can experience in the upcoming Forza Motorsport 4 for Xbox 360.

It all starts with a visit to the track, in this case Hockenheim in Germany. Here, Turn 10's guys snap thousands of photos, record video of multiple laps from multiple angles, and collect sub-centimeter-accurate military-grade GPS data for the layout, elevation, and camber of the track. Next, the developers take the collected data and feed it … Read more