It seems like the big companies are really catching onto using pervasive computing devices for game-like tourism experiences. As reported by Engadget today:

The DS has already proven some of its versatility by ordering food and dishing out replays at Safeco Field, and it looks like Disney’s set to expand those non-gaming capabilities even further, with it now testing a system that turns the handheld into an interactive tour guide. Dubbed the Disney Magic Connection, the app appears to be fairly extensive, including not only maps of the Magic Kingdom, but details on wait times at various attractions, directions to the nearest washrooms and ATMs and, of course, the odd game. Unfortunately, at least in its current state, you’ll only be able to take advantage of those features with one of Disney’s pre-set up DSs and not your own — no word if that’ll change once the system moves beyond the testing phase. Hit up the read link below for more pics of the app itself and a first-hand report from one lucky tester.

Now from the sounds of this report, the Disney DS app sounds like it is actually a homebrew project by a very large homebrewer. My guess is that the Imagineers are doing proof of concept / beta testing before going through the arduous  process of having official carts licensed.

Joystiq’s report on the subject states that the Disney DS has GPS support. Following links, I have no idea how & where GPS got into the picture. Furthermore based on my past conversations with Disney Imagineers, I would be very surprised if GPS was actually used. They understand the problems of GPS development as much as anyone, and have shown themselves to be very willing to reach solutions through RFID & WiFi triangulation. So if the Disney DS does utilize GPS, it would represent a minor turn of the tides internally at Disney Imagineering.

I wanted some new wallpaper, so I made some. Here’s a screenshot reproduction from Boundish’s Human League. My process isn’t nearly as cool as Ian’s, but I try.

The thumbnail links to the full-res image:

Originally via game girl advance:

I rather like Joystiq’s commentary, so I won’t attempt to re-write the wheel:

Have you ever had this thought while playing Guitar Hero? “I’m really enjoying simulating playing guitar, but I just don’t feel like a big enough tool.” Luckily, Nitrous Roxxxxxide (extra Xs added for emphasis) and Jada Toys have your back with the officially licensed Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker.

Basically you strum a magical pick across a very demonic-looking belt buckle and one of 10 different songs (only five of which are licensed) comes streaming from a speaker that you’ll also have attached to you. What’s more, it doesn’t require batteries, as it runs on pure human dignity (this feature still not confirmed). This video from CES makes it seem as if it works about 80 percent of the time, which maybe is to be expected, considering it’s only going to set you back $30. Look for it (or don’t) in March.

Most of the time I pay little, if any, attention to the PSP. Simply put, I’m just not interested in what Sony has decided that this device is all about. Via a slew of announcements, this week and last, it now appears that Sony might be changing their mind about what the PSP is all about. Accordingly, I might be getting interested in the device as a pervasive gaming vehicle.

Here’s the run-down of announcements (via Joystiq & Kotaku):

• The US version of the PSP to get hardware, firmware, and software support for GPS…or you just hack it and add your own GPS support. (Is there a good PSP WiFi triangulation solution?)
• Skype coming to the PSP. (Skype SDK support?!?)
• 16GB MS Duo memory stick coming for PSP.

As I said, I don’t own a PSP and have never seriously looked at what kind of resources the PSP Homebrew community has to offer, but it may be time to invest and research.

Ok…this is a very cool auction, but I might actually be more excited about the fact that this unearths a bit of video game history that I did not previously know (Steve Kent needs to get back to work).

eBay seller atarimuseum has several interesting auctions up, but my favorite (and the one getting the most blogosphere love) is the Super Breakout LCD Prototype.

The history lesson comes from the Atari Museum page linked to from the auction page:

Atari started and quickly stopped its new division: Atari Electronics Games. Among the products were the Atari Touch Me handheld which was released in 1978 and coming in 1980 there would be two new handhelds based on the Atari licensed Space Invaders and Atari’s own Breakout. These new games would be managed through Atari’s new offices in the Toy Building at 200 Fifth Ave in New York City. However sluggish sales in the handheld market did not look favorable to Atari’s management and the plug was pulled on Atari’s new Electronics Games Division and with it the new handhelds.

…and accompanying awesome image: