Review: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

It’s been awhile. Two years, in fact, since we last saw a Zelda title on the Nintendo DS, and 3 years since the Wii’s Twilight Princess. Zelda fans have been craving a new title and Nintendo has finally delivered.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the 15th installment in the popular franchise. While the gameplay remains the same, Spirit Tracks does introduce a first for the series: now Princess Zelda plays along side you throughout the adventure. Is it a big deal? No not really, but the adventure does prove to be worthwhile sequel.

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Elite Athletes Should Put The Electronics Down When Travelling

A doctor is recommending athletes travelling across time zones should resist the temptation to use electronic devices when jetlagged.

According to Dr. Marco Cardinale the problem is the light emitted by the devices (DVD players, iPods, DS, PCs) that affects the part of the brain that controls your circadian rhythm. Athletes don’t recover from jet lag quickly.

As well, the doctor believes that video games also have “interesting physiological effects.” He cites a study where children who played minutes Need for Speed—Most Wanted for an hour  had impaired sleep patterns and a reduction in verbal cognitive performance.

But he doesn’t think video games are bad. It’s just there’s a proper time and place for them. Dr. Cardinale offers four tips to athletes who game. See the list after the break.

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Geometry Wars on Project Natal?

It’s hard to say if this is a legitimate video or not, but Destructoid has just posted this video showing someone playing Geometry Wars on Project Natal. There’s an awful lot of arm waving going on here which makes it difficult to tell what hand gestures do what on screen. Is it legit or a well crafted fake? You decide.

[Via Destructoid]

Apple's App Store Sees Record Breaking Christmas

Flurry, the biggest mobile app analytics company has just compiled some download stats from Apple’s App Store and wouldn’t you know it, Apple had one sweet Christmas. The App Store saw a 51% increase in downloads from November to December, most of that coming from the iPod Touch. iPod Touch download volume saw a nearly 1,000% jump in downloads on Christmas Day alone! As for the iPhone, while it still remains popular it’s clear way more people chose the iPod Touch over the Jesus Phone this Christmas.

Flurry also broke down Android App sales. The big winner this Christmas…Motorola. Most apps were downloaded on the Droid phone with 3 other phones coming in a close second. Here’s a look at the breakdown…

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"Retro" PhilcoPC

If we’re talking retro computing, we’re really discussing grey bricks and room-sized models. Of course, if we’re talking new PCs based on retro design concepts, we’re in a much more beautiful (and tiny) space. And that’s exactly what’s happening with the new design concept from SchultzeWORKS in Pasedena, CA.

Although it doesn’t exist outside of 3D renderings, the PhilcoPC pushes all the right buttons for those who like a mix of 1950s electronics and steampunk in their computing. I’m particularly in love with the raised-button keyboard (even if it doesn’t have a number pad). But the whole package does make me drool.

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How To: Dry Out Wet Electronics

Spill beer on your iPhone? Your Zune fall from your pocket into a puddle? Drop your Nook in the toilet? We all know, whether intuitively or through painful, painful experience, that getting your favourite gadget wet means heartache and sadness. It’s a personal fear of mine… it’s why I don’t text and urinate at the same time.

Fortunately, an update to the Wired How To Wiki has details on life-saving techniques for wireless electronics. Since submerging your iPod normally means it and your warantee is pooched, what have you got to lose? Might as well try these suggestions for nursing it back to life.

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Kindle Most Gifted Item in Amazon's History

Amazon is bragging these days, and it has good reason to. The company’s flagship ebook reader has hit some pretty significant milestones. The Kindle has now become the “most gifted item” in the company’s history. On top of that, the company claims ebooks outsold physical books for the first time ever on Christmas day.

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BioWare Explains Mass Effect 2 Game Saves Imports

Remember some time ago when BioWare hinted that you would be able to import your save files from Mass Effect 1 into Mass Effect 2? Well we’re finally hearing more details on what that means exactly. If you were hoping that your leveled-up Shepard would appear just as he did in the first, you’ll be sad to hear that’s no the case.

A recent forum post from BioWare Community Coordinator Chris Priestly explains that importing your save game file will benefit the player, mostly in the form of bonuses. For example, if you finished ME1 as a level 35 character, you will receive a bonus, but if you finished ME1 as a level 50 character, your bonus will be larger. These bonuses include extra money, maybe even some crafting resources.

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Kindle DRM Hacked

Happen to live in an anti-DRM household like mine? Has Amazon’s DRMed books on the Kindle kept you from jumping on the ebook bandwagon? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that hackers have provided us with a Christmas present in the form of a circumvention of the Kindle for PC digital rights management locks.

Amazon’s DRM ensures that purchased ebooks can only be viewed on the Kindle or using Kindle for PC. The hack (requiring a couple of downloaded files and a few easy-to-follow instructions) converts the AZW files to PDF files that can be viewed on any device and not just those sold by Amazon. Voila: an ebook that is truly portable.

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Asus Releasing Roomba Killer In 2010

Two robot vacuum cleaners enter the arena. Newcomer Asus’ ECleaner versus the established Roomba. Only one leaves the dust-clogged arena.

In 2010, the Roomba is getting some competition from the ECleaner. The big new feature is that it has a 6000-hour UV light that can disinfect your floors. And it can spread a delightful scent to cover up any foul smells. Like the Roomba, it runs on batteries and can be remote controlled.

Unfortunately, the ECleaner will only be available in China and Taiwan in the new year for $150. Those of us in North America will have to wait a while.

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