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News Technology

Google finally launches Cube, play your way through a cubic Google Maps world

Google Maps Cube game

Back in January, Google released a teaser video for a Google maps-based game that was set to be released in February.  But February, came and went and the game wasn’t released.  Now, Google has finally quietly launched the game online at www.playmapscube.com.

Travel through New York, Tokyo and many other cities and learn all about the Google map features.   You can even bike your way through San Francisco as fast as possible and Google recommends you pay attention to the biking layer on the map to see which roads are safer.

To play, you navigate the marble by using your cursor.  As you finish each level, your time is recorded.

I stumbled upon the newly launched game after checking the web address which Google registered (Whois) earlier this week.  The website went live in the past 24 hours.

The game is split up into eight levels.

Level 1 has you maze your way through the busy streets of Manhattan to reach your friends at the Brooklyn Bowl.

Level 2 has you in San Francisco on two wheels, biking your way to four different landmarks.

You’re finding your way through Paris traffic to the Eiffel tower on Level 3.  Google recommends you pay attention to the traffic layer to see which roads are fast and which will grind you to a halt.  If you take a busy route, your marble slows.

On Level 4, you’re in the London Underground trying to get to the Big Ben during rush hour. Google points out the subway lines are connected by color and you need to find the fastest combination possible.

Visit Tokyo on Level 5.  You need to find your way through the complex streets of the city, visiting all the tourist locations while paying close attention to the road network.

Dine in Las Vegas on Level 6. You must visit all the six reviewed restaurants in central Las Vegas in the smallest time possible.

Go indoors finally on Level 7.  Find your way through the Mall of America and collect all of the Google Offers on each of the four floors.

On Level 8 you step it up a notch using your knowledge of the previous levels to find your fastest route to your objective in the ever changing cubic city.

At the time of this story, the fastest total time is 2 minutes 45 seconds.

Talking about this story: Techmeme, Engadget, TechRadar UK, VentureBeat, 36kr, NevilleHobson.com, netzwertig.com, Tech2, SlashGear and Gizmodo

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News Video Games

Ubisoft Entertainment registers “Rayman Legends” domain names [UPDATED]

Rayman Legends

Last year, it was rumored that Nintendo would show off a new line of games at E3 for the Wii U (then referred to as “Project Cafe”).

One of those games in the list by Ubisoft was a game called “Rayman Legends”.

Now, that game looks to be more official according to two new domain names registered by Ubisoft this week that include RaymandLegends.com (Whois) and Rayman-Legends.com (Whois).

Though nothing official has been announced, this may be another title slated for Nintendo’s Wii U, as Ubisoft has said it has big plans for the console.

Earlier this week, a marketing survey hinted at a Rayman Origins sequel of mythic proportions.

[Updated on April 27, 2012:. Ubisoft has confirmed Rayman Legends.  The game is currently in development from Michel Ancel and his team in Montpellier.]

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Movies News

Underworld 5 to be called Underworld: Battle? Sony Pictures registers domain

Underworld Battle

Though no official word is yet available on Underworld 5, it’s pretty certain the next film is in the works given the success of Underworld: Awakening which has been the highest-grossing film in the series so far.

While it’s purely speculation, it appears the next film could be called Underworld: Battle, according to a new domain name registration this week by Sony Pictures.

On April 24, 2012, Sony Pictures registered UnderworldBattle.com (Whois).

At the time of this post, Sony Pictures has not made an announcement about Underworld: Battle, but the domain does redirect visitors to the Sony Pictures home video page for Underworld: Awakening, which is set to be released on DVD and Blu-ray on May 8th.

While Underworld 5 would be no surprise, it looks more likely that UnderworldBattle.com is part of Sony Pictures’ online marketing campaign for the release of Underworld: Awakening on home video, and less likely the title of the fifth film in the series.

The name could also hint at a new video game, as well.

At this point, we’ll just have to wait and see if Sony Pictures announces anything official.

Talking about this story: /FILM and WhatCulture!

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News Trademarks Video Games

Activision files trademark for The Blast Furnace game, privately acquires domain

The Blast Furnace

Activision Publishing, Inc. filed a trademark application on April 18, 2012, for “The Blast Furnace” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The goods and services in the trademark filing (Serial Number: 85601232) cover “computer game software” and “Entertainment services, namely, providing an on-line computer game”.

In addition to the trademark filing, it appears Activision has privately acquired the related domain name, theblastfurnace.com (Whois), through the internet brand protection company MarkMonitor.  Activision is a client of MarkMonitor.

In March 2012, the domain name <theblastfurnace.com> was registered to domain investor Frank Schilling’s Name Administration Inc.  In April, the name transferred to DNStination, Inc., the Whois privacy service provided by MarkMonitor.

I’ve reached out to Frank Schilling via e-mail to see if any details about the transaction can be shared and I will update this story if I hear back.

At the time of this writing, Activision has made no announcement regarding “The Blast Furnace”.

[Update 1 at 8:30pm EST:. After a little digging on DomainNameSales, the online marketplace that features premium domain names from Frank Schilling’s private collection and other investors, it appears the domain name sold for anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 USD.  The sale was reported on April 19, 2012.]

Talking about this story:  VG247, @supererogatory, NowGamer, Lazygamer, Strategy Informer, games.on.net, HardGamers, Gamestrend, Hardgame2.com, gameswelt.de, GamePro, Multiplayer.it, Shacknews, MCV and allgamesbeta.com

Categories
News Trademarks Video Games

Activision files trademark for Skylanders Sidekick: First look at new characters

Skylanders sidekicks

Skylanders sidekicks

Activision’s legal department has filed a trademark application for “Skylanders Sidekick”.

On April 18, 2012, Activision submitted the filing (Serial Number: 85601600) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The “Goods and Services” in the application cover, “Games and toys, namely, action figures, collectable toy figures, collectable toy figures having radio frequency identification (RFID) chips or tags, action figures having RFID chips or tags”.

No first use date is noted in the application.  But, there’s a good explanation for that.

While nothing has been officially announced about “Skylanders Sidekick”, I did find Frito-Lay sell sheets online that describe a program taking place in June that partners with Skylanders to deliver an exclusive offer.  The promotion allows consumers to redeem a free “Skylanders sidekick” character with purchase.

The screen shot above was taken from the presentation and shows the sidekicks and their names: Mega Stealth, Super Trigger, Big Grunt, and Mighty Fin.  However, according to the slide, the real names are to-be-determined.

Earlier this month, Activision and Frito-Lay announced a multi-phased promotion extending through May 5, 2012.

The promotion with the Sidekick characters appears to be part of Phase 2.  According to the sell sheets, the in-store timing is June 18th – July 13th 2012.

Below is another screen shot from the presentation for the lobby/perimeter kit.

Skylanders Sidekick lobby kit
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