RUMOR: SONY DISCONTINUES PS4 DEVELOPMENT

When Sony revealed the PSP 2 (NGP) it was hard not to be impressed. A handheld machine that looks powerful enough to match a PS3 in terms of graphics combined with dual thumbsticks, an innovative touch panel on the back, and the promise of a price point gamers can afford.

It’s clear Sony has spent a lot of time getting the successor to the PSP right. But a rumor coming out of Japan suggests the PSP 2 may be the successor to the PS3 as well.

According to Japanese website PC Watch:

Hiroshige Goto says SCEI suspended PS4 development. They were working on a PowerPC based system at IBM Rochester after the Larrabee fall out, then shelved it. They are betting the farm on PSP2 as they expect handhelds to displace consoles.

If true, it would mean the PS3 is the last home console Sony plans to produce, instead turning to a handheld-only strategy for games.

APPLE RELAXES iOS DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS

When Apple announced iOS early this year, they also changed the terms for developers.  Developers had to use specific compilers, etc.  Now, Apple has loosened some of those restrictions allowing developers to use a wide range of third party tools.  Many suspect this change was made for game developers who use ported engines like Unreal and interpreters like Lua.  The upside is that developers can also now use Adobe Flash CS5.

Apple is also finally publishing it's App Store Review Guidelines, which will give developers a better idea of their apps will be analyzed by Apple, before they submit them for review. [Engadget]