According to our pals over at Macrumors, Apple is working on an ultra-thin 15-inch Macbook.  It’s not clear at this point if it will adopt the same specs and limited feature set as the recent released Macbook Airs, but the site says that the laptop is in the late testing stages at Apple.

In the past Apple has indicated that it is looking to move away from all things spinning (hard drives and optical drives) inside of their machines.  So we see the chances of this rumor as being true pretty darn good.  Macrumors also says that Apple is working on a 17-inch version, though there doesn’t seem to be any indicator as to where that is in the development phase.

On the other hand, Apple just released the brand new Macbook Airs.  So it begs the question why they’d release another laptop with an almost comparable feature set, but with a larger, more popular screen size.  However, Apple has long sold the Macbook Pro in 3 different sizes (13″, 15″ and 17″), so the move wouldn’t be all that unorthodox.

Sorry, but we just can’t resist reporting that a new set of Apple products will arrive any day now.  But, don’t get too excited, because the rumored product refresh isn’t an iOS device and nor is it a beefed up laptop with a touchscreen.  9to5Mac, according to an inside source, says we can expect two new product refreshes in the coming weeks.

First off, Apple will be update the White Macbook Pro to include their Thunderbolt port and a faster processor.  The model number will be: MC914LL/A.  And in less exciting news, you can expect a refresh of the Mac Mini.  Supposedly, three models will get rolled out, which will include a standard version, a built to order version and a server version.  All will probably have faster processors, but it’s not clear if they’ll include Thunderbolt.  Models numbers include: MC936LL/A, MC815LL/A, and MC816LL/A.

On another note, 9to5Mac still expects Apple to update the Macbook Pros later this month, but in all likelihood they’ll arrive in August.  Here’s still hoping for the iPhone 5 in September.

In what would become one of the first high profile titles to support Microsoft’s Natal, Ghost Recon Future Soldier could pave the way for a whole new living room battlefield.  Purportedly, the game would allow the player to hold the Xbox 360 controller in one hand for basic field movement and that other hand and body would allow for tactical gesturing.

Will this work?  Honestly, I’m not sold on this type of gaming just yet.  The Wii is still a party console in my opinion and I’d never really want to play a shooter of the likes of GR while standing up.  I’m up for being proven wrong, however.

It could be really cool if done effectively and I’d be pleasantly surprised to find out if this rumor turns out to grow some legs.  What do you think?

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Renowned Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter cut open the speculative can of beans with Gears of War Lancer this time around.  To keep it simple, Pachter predicts that Microsoft will release a bundle this Holiday that will contain a newly designed Slim Xbox 360, a 250 GB Hard Drive, and the Natal for only $300!

While we all know that ASSuming what an ANALyst says is true only fuels the burden of gossip, the prediction really seems to good to be true.  With Microsoft’s latest 360 update enabling USB drive support, maybe they don’t care so much any more about moving memory units?  What does the reader think?

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As of recent, the Wall Street Journal has hinted that Sony is secretly working on a combination device to do battle with the soon to be maybe cool Apple iPad.  Taking a look at the mock up pic located above, I have mixed feelings about a device of this nature.

After being letdown by the PSPgo, I still yearn for a new PSP2 with updated hardware, so when I saw this rumor I got some mild tech flutters.  This rumor also sort of crosses paths with the once rumored PSP Phone.  Could this possibly be one device to rule them all?

Having an iPhone already, I’m not so sure about wanting a PSP Phone but I sure would sign on to the PSP 2 if it ever actually materializes.

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My roommate is all about Mac Mini synergy.  Rumor is going around that the next iteration of the Mac Mini will use a HDMI port instead of the legacy DVI input.  While there is no official announcement in regards to this claim, the above picture has also been spotted.

An HDMI input would be might handy for those looking to use their Mac Mini’s with their HDTV’s and I’m sure many people are waiting for some creedence to this rumor so they can start saving for a new Mac Mini and finally get rid of cable TV box.

Do we like this rumor?

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There’s no way to verify this, but according to AppAdvice, Apple will begin to offer the iPad for pre-order on February 25th.  Model options should be limited to the WiFi version, which is on point with Steve Jobs iPad presentation and puts the stated 60 day shipping window squarely at the end of March.

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There’s a rumor floating around that Apple might lower the price of TV shows to $1, which is a 50% discount over their current pricing structure for standard def shows.  The news comes on the heels of the recently announced iPad, which could possibly facilitate an influx of TV and movie purchases from the iTunes store.

But why the rumor?  Well, for one, many TV shows are now available for free online.  Most if not all of these won’t play on the iPad, so this could be seen as a significant hurdle for many to invest in the device. Lowering the price of the shows lowers the hurdle.  Also, there are numerous outlets that provide more media for less of a cost, such as Netflix.  For just $8.99/month you can score yourself a DVD to your home and unlimited streaming of more than 15,000 TV shows and movies, which mind you won’t be compatible with the iPad.

So is a $1 TV show enough to get me to buy an iPad?  Hells no.  But give me an ‘all you can eat monthly subcription’ and Apple might have one more person signed up.  Fortunately, another rumor emerged this week that Hulu is working on an iPad (hopefully this also means iPhone) compatible version of their website.  One can only hope this is the case, but then again this is a rumor, and it’s just about fact that Hulu will start charging for content as soon as this year.

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And what a bulging rumor that is.  Would RockStar really bring us news of GTA 5 at this year’s E3?  Now that GTA 4 is officially done with all its DLC, E3 would be an appropriate platform to make such an announcement and I’m sure the fans and critics are ready.

While most people have surmised GTA 5 to be a return to Vice City, I would like to see something more from the esteemed series.  I need a change in location entirely.  I honestly want to see some snow and all the vehicles associated with snowy weather.  If not that I definitely want to see some seasonal changes this time around.

What do you want to see from the next GTA?

I still think a great IP would be an open world Death Race GTA clone that supports online matches and crazy car customization.  That or a swashbuckling pirate GTA with galleons galore.

Leave us a comment!

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So it may be safe to say that DJ Hero isn’t the mega success it was envisioned to be but that hasn’t stopped Activision from not only bringing about a sequel but also perhaps a mobile rendition for the iPhone.  Word has it that port heroes Glu Mobile will be doing the translation and rumors are also persisting about versions for android, as well as the iPad.

Do you want this?

I want a remake of BurgerTime called Gyro Hero.

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Being is that I have not had cable in years, I never get to watch Monday Night Football because it’s always on ESPN.  Rumors are abound that ESPN and Microsoft are taking clandestine meetings in regards to broadcasting live sporting events on Xbox Live.

While all this is currently unsubstantiated, Microsoft “could” effectively absorb the ESPN fees, making it free to Xbox Live Gold Members. Or not.   Content would be similar to ESPN 360 (nice), and would be a great addition to the already robust Xbox Live experience.  Thoughts?

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I played the demo for Peace Walker over the holidays and was impressed by the graphics and tight as hell production quality.  Today, two MGSPW bundle rumors have made it to the blog front lines and they will be pricey.

Japanese reports have indicated that the 1st bundle will contain a copy of the game on UMD, a camo-painted PSP 3000, hand strap, cleaning cloth, and carrying pouch for the price of $296.  The second bundle includes everything the 1st has with the addition of a set of dog tags, a “fancy” PSP stand, and an informational booklet at a higher price of $407!?

Depending on whether or not my currency calculator converted 250 Quid correctly, that seems like a ton of money for a bundle like this!  Christburgers!

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Having extensively played the Beta for BC2 on PS3, I am super excited for this game.  Massively detailed maps and responsive vehicle controls, BC2 is the game I’m most looking forward to raging this March.

Reports have it that a UK retailer named Game have issued reports of the BC2 demo landing on PSN and Xbox Live Networks on Thursday, February 4th.  With no word yet from EA or DICE, we do know that the Beta has just ended on PS3, and that it would seem plausible.

If you haven’t played the original BC, now would be a great time to catch up with a killer MP game with a decent single player campaign.

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I’m not big on the whole rumor thing these days, but the WSJ and a few other sources are reporting that Apple will finally announce their touchscreen tablet computer on January 27th.  It will include a 10 to 11-inch screen, and as previously reported run a variation of the iPhone OS and apps.  Unfortunately, the computer is said to ship in March, which is relatively unorthodox for Apple as they often like to announce a product within weeks if not days of a ship date.

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Now here’s an exciting picture for you, folks–what you’re seeing right there is a shot of the Google Phone, the Nexus One. Pics of this thing have been leaking like a sieve to the web at large and initial reports are conflicting at best.

Google employees, of course, are operating under STRICT agreements not to talk specs–if they actually say anything even related to specs their firstborn children vanish in a puff of smoke, and if they don’t have any children, well, something ELSE vanishes instead.  Okay, that’s just a joke, but still–the Google crew may be contractually forbidden from saying word one, but that didn’t stop the blogosphere!  In fact, a San Francisco blogger named Cory O’ Brien got one of these fellas and clames that it’s basically an iPhone but with a slightly larger screen and a scroll wheel.  PC World, however, was underwhelmed.

And naturally, the whole thing runs on Google’s own OS, Android.  Admittedly that was pretty much a given, but still.  Look for this one to launch possibly in 2010, and keep it here for all the latest details on the Nexus One!

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I can say right now that I have never really needed to use the web browser on my PS3.  Maybe because I have other ways to access the net.  For those of you who rely on your PS3 web browser will find it interesting that reports are coming in about Sony potentially bringing FireFox to the PS3.

While no deal has been struck at this juncture, it is a nice nugget of hype for PS3 owners to mull over.  The forever question still exists:  Why is there no browser on the Xbox 360?

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My buddy can really get engorged in gaming hype.  Especially when it comes to Sam Fisher related news.  Hopefully this nugget of hype will do something for him.

What we are hearing today is that when Assassin’s Creed 2 arrives tomorrow, there will be an exclusive demo voucher packed inside for Splinter Cell Conviction.

Splinter Cell Conviction has been a long time coming and this demo voucher is a smart way to get people reinvested in a franchise that’s trying to reinvent itself.  Hit us up tomorrow if you get this voucher and play the demo.

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Does the Apple tablet PC actually exist?  The current answer is, no one’s really sure except possibly for New York Times executive editor Bill Killer.

His recent referral to an “impending Apple slate” has captured the imaginations of the gadget world, and gadget blogs all over began trumpeting what Apple buffs had figured was coming for some time now, the official announcement of the Apple Tablet PC.

Needless to say, that announcement has not hit, and Bill Keller is keeping mum about the whole business in general.  This isn’t the first time Apple gadget news has left someone with egg on their face–the Financial Times was convinced that the Apple tablet would hit in September.  And with Bill Keller stonewalling (when asked if he had more information, all he would say was “I’m not sayin’.”), who knows what anybody knows or doesn’t know any more?

But that’s half the fun of rumors, isn’t it?

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Talk about counting your chickens.  Assassin’s Creed 2 hasn’t even seen release and we are already hearing about a 3rd installment.  Will that many people blindly purchase this game like the did 2 years ago?

Not to be a naysayer, I want Ass2 to be a quality game but I won’t believe it until I play it.  A German gaming show named PLAYD had Ubisoft’s Philippe Bergeron on the program who said in regards to a possible Assassin’s Creed 3 setting:

There are two things that come to mind: There is medieval Europe, which would be very interesting trying to play a King Arthur story line. Another one that is a personal favorite of a lot of people on the floor is feudal Japan, which is something that would be very interesting just culturally to discover and I think also to make players discover as well.

Huh.  I don’t know which one would be cooler.  What do you think?

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A new rumor has burst onto the scene out of the Kodak company, and everyone’s frantically trying to figure out just what exactly it is.  A “highly placed source” has promised that Kodak’s got something really big planned for the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show this January in Las Vegas, but what exactly it is, no one’s sure.

In fact, the only piece of solid data involved is that it’ll be bowing right alongside the successor to the current Kodak Zi8 pocket camcorder.

Possibilities at this point could be most anything–a storage device, a new DVD burner that works with the Zi8′s successor, anything.  In fact, this could be little more than a giant pot of smoke and mirrors designed to give Kodak free publicity by having gadget bloggers like us endlessly try to play guessing games about what it’ll actually be until CES hits.

I guess either way, we’ll have to wait for CES to find out how this one finally boils out.

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