Y2K Strikes…

the PS3.

That’s right. Ten years after the panic that was Y2K, when computer programmers were tying themselves in knots making sure society would continue after the clock struck midnight, the Y2K bug has claimed its first victim, Sony’s latest generation gaming console. Apparently, a bug associated with the built in clock on the console was causing problems for gamers. Some couldn’t log in to Sony’s Playstation network while others had trouble loading newer games. Sony announced this yesterday and hoped to have it resolved by today.

Get Flash(ed) later this year

Adobe announced today that plans are still on track to release Flash 10.1 for smart phones later this year.  Flash is used to play videos and games on Blackberries, Androids and other smart phones.  Unfortunately, Apple’s iPad and iPhone will not be on the list of compatible gadgets. So if you’re looking to get spruced up videos or play the latest games on your mobile device, Flash 10.1 will be out later this year.

What will they think of next?

Randy Sarafan is releasing a book titled “62 Projects to Make With a Dead Computer (and Other Discarded Electronics).” In it, he details how to turn old technology into something completely different and useful. While my favorite is not the most practical use of old tech, I love the idea of the 8-bit Nintendo controller as a belt buckle. I grew up in the heyday of the original NES, so that’s why it’s my favorite, but some of the other ideas are more ingenious. Check some of them out at MSNBC.com.

Interactive board games … cool

This may not fit the mold of a regular IT story, but there’s a Canadian company which built a prototype interactive board game. It’s a board game that you play like a traditional Monopoly or Risk, but there are tiles that, when connected, will trigger interactive events. I’m a bit of a board game geek as well as an IT geek, so this concept has me very intrigued.

Nintendo isn’t an iPad fan

In a story from MSNBC.com, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata dismissed the recently unveiled iPad as nothing but a bigger iPod touch. Now, while I’m not inclined to disagree with that, what makes me wonder if Iwata is really hip to current trends in technology is his similar attitude toward 3D technology and high definition for video games. As a video game enthusiast, I can attest to the enhanced experience from playing games with high definition. It’s AWESOME! And concerning 3D, while movies still require the glasses, at least they look like regular sunglasses. And more and more movies are coming out in 3D, so there is an audience. So, if Iwata has this attitude toward 3D and gaming, it makes me wonder if his appraisal of the iPad is off too.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the WiiBox

Well, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Nintendo’s Wii should feel real good right about now.  The Microsoft is planning to release something called “Project Natal” which looks eerily similar to the Wii’s motion sensor bar.  How effective it is won’t be known until its release later this year.  Don’t believe me? Take a look.

See the rest of the most anticipated gadgets for the year here.

A gaming laptop

Dell is catering to the gaming demographic with its M11X gaming laptop.  The 11.6 inch high def screen will be able to play games such as “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2″ at 30 frames per second.  A built-in webcam and a SIM card for wireless access completes the package.  The only thing missing is an optical drive, but Dell says that should be offered as an add-on.  Total price for this portable gaming behemoth: less than $1000.  I can’t wait.

I origianlly got this story from MSNBC.com.