Unboxing & Review: Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device Custom Kit

This is the latest Portal gun replica from NECA. The 'custom kit' version combines all three previous version into one. You can customize this version to look like Atlas, P-Body or Chell's version of the device. 

The look of it as a display piece is great but I felt like the feel of it in your hands is a little more "pasticy" than I expected. The way the lights work also could have been handled better. That being said for what this is it's very reasonably priced. You can get it now for $99.99 over at the Big Bad Toy Store.

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Valve Releases 'Big Picture' Mode in Beta

Valve has just released their big picture mode in beta form, now on PC (Mac beta coming soon). The new mode not only enlarges Steam for a TV you are sitting a few feet away from, it adds a whole new interface that'll make the whole experience much easier.

The new mode also comes with a built in browser and the new interface is designed to work with controllers. Valve has even created a controller tuned keyboard that looks to be lightyears better than anything on current consoles. Once again the big picture mode brings in to question if Valve will be creating their own dedicated console or entering the hardware business at all.

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Valve is "Jumping In" to the PC Hardware Game

A job posting for an industrial designer at Valve has reconfirmed the company's interest in creating some kind of computer hardware.

We’re frustrated by the lack of innovation in the computer hardware space though, so we’re jumping in. Even basic input, the keyboard and mouse, haven’t really changed in any meaningful way over the years. There’s a real void in the marketplace, and opportunities to create compelling user experiences are being overlooked.

The posting asks for a specific desire to change the way we interface with PCs but displays a need for a change in PC hardware over all.

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Valve Adding Non-Gaming Software To Steam

Steam already has a place on your home PC but now Valve hopes to put Steam on work computers — without getting you fired that is. Starting September 5th, Steam will start selling productivity and creativity software. Think apps like Photoshop, text editing and spread sheet software.

The selling point to buying through Steam over Apple's app store or Microsoft's upcoming store is Steamworks support. That includes Steam Cloud support to sync projects across multiple computers and automatic updates and probably hats.

via: Ars Technica

3" Portal 2 Turrets Coming In Many Colors

These adorable 3-inch tall figures come from NECA, makers of the life-size replica Portal gun. The mini turrets will come in the classic white, Bullseye, zebra camo, sunburst, leopard camo, 'table', forest camo, sky camo, desert camo and hot rod paint jobs.

Unfortunately they will come in "blind boxes" meaning the boxes are sealed and there is no way to know which paint job you'll buy until you pay for it. These start shipping October 17th.

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Valve announces 'Steam Greenlight'

Valve announced a new initiative for Steam today that will allow gamers to choose titles to be published on the platform titled, Steam Greenlight.

Developers can submit their game to Greenlight and try to gain some attention in hopes of it being voted high enough to be published. A game doesn't necessarily have to be "#1" or pass a specific threshold. There only needs to be enough attention for a title to be inducted onto the platform.

Developers are encouraged to submit their game as early in the development process as they like. Submissions begin for Steam Greenlight August 30th, 2012.

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