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Re:0 posts by Performer+Guy · 2004-09-16 13:58 · Score: -1, Troll · on HardOCP Wins Against Infinium Labs

Hard[OCP] lays it on a bit thick. Infinium have never said they had anything more than a vanilla PC in the box, they even give the specs on their site here (and these are the revised specs)

The whole point is that this *IS* a PC in a plastic box, (so is XBOX for that matter) and the Phantom legal issues weren't over mere technical revelations or petty opinions like this it started over a blatant hatchet piece Hard[OCP] did, mainly targeted at the CEO of Infinium.

Any prototype is going to be like this system or worse, it would be criminal to spend more effort on anything before going to mass production. Microsoft's XBOX2 prototypes are Apple dual G5s for crying out loud.

Summary, Hard[OCP] is far from an impartial reporter in this, they finally get proof of a real phantom and dis it as much as they can for being exactly what Infinium have always said it was.

Yeah, but will it allow... by BitwizeGHC · 2004-09-13 10:32 · Score: 1 · on Universal Emulators Return

... my PlayStation 2 games to run on the Phantom?

First Picture by xombo · 2004-09-12 07:19 · Score: 1 · on Xbox 2 Concept Designs Leaked?

Is it just me or does the first picture look a little like the old Phantom mockups?

I'm pretty sure it's p-shopped... by millia · 2004-05-10 04:00 · Score: 3, Interesting · on Phantom Shows Pictures, Pricing, Huang Hire

going to infinium press image area you can find the full size images- which are basically uncropped versions that you see from one of the post links.
looking at the mouse shot (and that's an interesting design- the upper case is one piece, and the buttons flex it when pressed) it's definitely photoshopped. somebody else can do all the gamma-type proof, but all it takes is to look at the glow around the cord.
so they might be actual devices- but they probably don't look that purty in the real world, i betcha.
regardless, we'll see in a couple of days.

Re:Cutting out the middleman by cgenman · 2004-03-29 17:47 · Score: 3, Interesting · on Economics Of Game Publishing Analyzed

The problem then is that you no longer have the point of sale presentation. A big part of the battle along the entire chain is getting the game on store shelves and in front of people. Anyone who has ever had to redo any part of their game to qualify for a Teen rating and, qed, the shelves of Walmart knows what I'm talking about. The wholesalers and retailers provide a service: they take something that comes in a few large shipments, sort it, manages it, finds buyers for it, ships it by region, and present it at thousands of locations for millions of people to peruse, buy, steal, return, and generally abuse.

Direct downloading would be a step in the right direction (and downloading through Bittorrent would be even better), but that economic model is well known... It's called shareware, and despite some high quality releases it tends to produce riches far below what would be attainable through traditional retail channels. If a player can't hold the box, can't feel it in his or her hands, it is much more difficult to convince them to pull out their credit card.

The manufacturer could also sell boxes to the public. However, you would still need to do basically all of the above... Ship to regional distribution centers around the US, manage the product, run a call center to interact with buyers, take returns... Aforementioned lower total sales aside, you still have the entire warehousing cost and much of the customer relations to deal with. You might manage to cut your total retail (equivalent) expenditure in half by storing your product in less expensive real estate, but you have to tack on an additional $5 for shipping. So, in essence, you have done nothing but bought the inventory control and customer relations side at the expense of the ability to aggregate the cost of selling the game with other games in a large pipeline.

Personally I want to see more direct downloads being used as a sales model, but I just don't see that happening any time soon. Having a physical thing in your hand is too tempting for the player, and broadband penetration is still too shallow. Plus, the model won't work for consoles unless a publisher were to design the console specifically around it. For more examples of the future as envisioned here, see Steam, and The Phantom.

Re:Someone please explain this to me by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-27 10:47 · Score: 0 · on Infinium Labs Countersues HardOCP

Won't be around for much longer. Hard to sell a console that doesn't have any games.

Heehee, "Updating extensive list" my ass.... I didn't know it took weeks/months to slap up a few bytes of text...

Interesting Site by The-Dalai-LLama · 2004-03-27 03:04 · Score: 5, Interesting · on Infinium Labs Countersues HardOCP

Their website is gorgeous. Takes forever to load, but the eye-candy is sweet.

I'm not a cool-guy web designer, but they list a "Pentium III" as a site requirement. I can't recall seeing another site that listed a processing requirement. Is that legit?

Also interesting to note that, according to the Phantom.net branch of their site,

"On March 31st, 2004 you will be able to build your high-octane Phantom Game System and for a limited time only purchase lifetime subscriptions." [emphasis added by me]

The Dalai Llama
constantly amazed at just how far people will go to get press...wait a minute, nobody visits my site, either. If you're reading this sig, expect to be contacted by my legal team.

No no no... by Cyno01 · 2004-03-22 15:45 · Score: 1 · on Game Wars 2 - Battle for the Living Room

Duke Nukem Forever will be avalible exclusivly on the Phantom console.

All the research you need by AndrewWood · 2004-03-03 18:16 · Score: 3, Insightful · on HardOCP Sues Infinium Over Legal Threats

All the research you need can be found on Infinium's very own web sites. Read every press release, look at the site (design by 2advanced. Infinium can't even take credit for the cool flash, which is the only thing of "substance" in sight), read the comedy that is Tim's resume page, look at how they word everything, and read between the lines.

I'm not going to post my play-by-play analysis, but suffice it to say, I agree with you about one thing. Anybody who's interested should indeed do their own research. (and have a few good laughs and amazed slaps of the forehead while they're at it)

All the research you need by AndrewWood · 2004-03-03 18:16 · Score: 3, Insightful · on HardOCP Sues Infinium Over Legal Threats

All the research you need can be found on Infinium's very own web sites. Read every press release, look at the site (design by 2advanced. Infinium can't even take credit for the cool flash, which is the only thing of "substance" in sight), read the comedy that is Tim's resume page, look at how they word everything, and read between the lines.

I'm not going to post my play-by-play analysis, but suffice it to say, I agree with you about one thing. Anybody who's interested should indeed do their own research. (and have a few good laughs and amazed slaps of the forehead while they're at it)

I worked for Tim Roberts at BIG by gserafini · 2004-03-03 16:29 · Score: 5, Interesting · on HardOCP Sues Infinium Over Legal Threats

I worked for Tim Roberts at GlobalStreams under BIG. I was the webmaster for the only company that was purchased (rather than being created out of thin air) by BIG.

My observation of the general business strategy that was followed at BIG could be summed up in one phrase: "Fake it 'til you make it." When we were working under the [BIG] umbrella, it was remarkable. At one point our company was instructed to hire people, not necessarily because we needed more people, but rather to increase headcount. They were still hiring until 1 or 2 weeks before BIG shut down.

The often-expressed doubts surrounding this company and it's product (the name is completely telling) I believe are well founded. Simply reading the Phantom FAQ and their product specs should be instant signs to any observant individual.

Step 1: Create website. (See their job postings for 3d renderers, Flash developers, etc...) Make it cool, fill it with the latest (OBVIOUS) buzzwords. DRM. Pay-per-play. Promise to deliver the cool dream application that might be possible.

Step 2: Try to [maybe] actually deliver a product. Image is everything here, gotta keep the investors happy and the money flowing.

Step 3: ???

Step 4: Prof^H^H^H Take the money and spend it / run. Anyone who might think about investing in this company, or who even really hopes that what they say or sell might be worth spending some money on should do some research, due diligence and move on with their life.

I often had a hard time working in an atmosphere where it was more important to seem successful than to _BE_ successful.

BIG didn't work out. A lot of people quit perfectly good jobs to work with Tim and were pissed when it didn't work out. They spent a LOT of money. After that experience for some reason I REALLY wanted to work in an environment where, say for example, a real product was worked on to solve a real problem, that had real customers.

Ah, the bitch of the reputation economy. Hope I don't get sued for sharing my personal experience and opinions.

--
Gabriel

USPTO sucks at trademarks too it seems... by Satan's+Librarian · 2004-03-03 15:50 · Score: 4, Interesting · on HardOCP Sues Infinium Over Legal Threats

Kinda funny, Phantom registered "Built by Gamers, for Gamers" - there's a "tm" at the end of the product sheet on their site. Apparently, it actually is registered, too.

But, seems like that's a pretty common phrase in the industry and has been so for years....

Hell, it's even used to refer to [H]ard|OCP's own RatPadz.

A poster above suggested a new section on Slashdot for lawsuits... I think that's a great idea. SCO's newsworthy lawsuits may be dying out finally, but Phantom might keep the section viable for a year by itself. Especially if that "Pre-Order" link starts working and consumers get suckered as well as investors, or if they decide to defend their *cough* "Intellectual Property" *cough* by suing half the gaming industry for trademark infringement.

Wonder if that's where they hope to make a profit?

A visit to Infinum Labs web site by Sparky77 · 2004-03-02 18:23 · Score: 1 · on Infinium Labs Threatens HardOCP Again

A quick visit to the web site shows a page that lets you preorder the phantom console.

Some funny excerpts:

We will be releasing our units to the public early in 2004.

Oh really? I'm not going to bet on it.

It will be action packed and appeal to all audiences and will be the best service for gaming available on the market.

Now those are some pretty audacious claims! This run on sentence brought to you by Billy.

Register Your Phantom by Form Mail! by fredtheshingle · 2004-03-02 16:35 · Score: 1 · on Infinium Labs Threatens HardOCP Again

A quick look around the disgusting Infinium Labs site reveals an even more repulsive "Phantom Reservation" form... it was so disgusting, it left me wondering... how is this thing submitted?

Preorder Now!

It's been many years since I've seen a form submitted through a mailto: trick!

Re:Bomb 'Em by styxlord · 2004-03-02 15:42 · Score: 5, Funny · on Infinium Labs Threatens HardOCP Again

Perhaps Infinium is pissed off that a google search for phantom console hits HardOCP before it hits the official site.

My Company's Competing Product by SuperChuck69 · 2004-02-24 03:05 · Score: 5, Funny · on Handtop PC Announced Using Transmeta Processor

My company is offering a similar product, only 2" smaller and 15 ounces lighter. It will feature a 3GHz processor and 4GB of RAM, with a 1280x1024 screen. It uses a new solar technology that doesn't even require light to work, giving it an infinite battery life. It's also fully compatible with the Phantom Gaming Service. Pricing and availability to be announced later.
[/sarcasm]

When you can tap on something, throw it across the room, or pee on it, that's when it exists. When there are a bunch of pictures and promises on a web site, it doesn't. It means it's in "prototype", which means the actual machine is larger than my current laptop, but with a 5.6" screen and they're HOPING to get it down to size.

It's coming: MARCH 31st 2004 !! by potus98 · 2004-02-20 05:35 · Score: 3, Funny · on Infinium Labs Threatens Gaming News Site

According to Phantom.net, the "creed comes to life March 31st 2004 at our Phantom online store where customers can customize their own Phantom Gaming Service to meet their individual needs." They go on to refer to March 31st 2004 as the "e-commerce launch" ROTFLMAO!!!!

There website reads like a vaporware/dot.bomb parody. Oh PLEEEASE let me submit my credit card information to the "Phantom Online Store"!

Re:Website gone? by potus98 · 2004-02-20 05:25 · Score: 1 · on Infinium Labs Threatens Gaming News Site

Try phantom.net instead of infiniumlabs.com. Of course, it'll probably be /.'d too...

Who are they trying to kid? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-02-20 04:56 · Score: 0 · on Infinium Labs Threatens Gaming News Site

About Infinium Labs

Infinium Labs is an industry-leading (to bankruptcy) global entertainment and interactive game company (so globally omnipresent they don't even have an office). Infinium Labs has developed (posted specifications) and is marketing (hijacking investors) its flagship product the Phantom Gaming Service, a leading edge and intuitive game and delivery system that is the performance leader in the interactive entertainment industry (performance may vary). Founded and managed by senior interactive media, entertainment and technology leaders (spoiled rich bastards) with proven industry experience and success (undeniable failure), Infinium Labs markets a robust (non-existant) game system that appeals to a wide audience of interactive gamers with its ease of use quality assurance and robust delivery system (rest assured, it's easy to deliver us your money!)

Infinium Labs Corporation was formed in October 2002 and is headquartered (P.O. addressable) in Sarasota, Florida.

Why would this be /.ed? by UPAAntilles · 2004-02-16 11:30 · Score: 3, Insightful · on An Xbox Live-like Service For Open/Indie Gaming?

From all my poking around and googling I can really find little/no actual information on it. Their FAQs are empty (except for "future releases") and I can't even tell what it is. Is it a console game/system? computer game?

In all appearances this looks more like a Phantom Then an actual "gaming news story".

Runs windows or will run Windows? by wilko11 · 2004-01-20 14:01 · Score: 5, Informative · on Spotlight On Windows-Powered Gadgets And Gizmos

I note that a bunch of these items are not yet shipping, including the Phantom Gaming System that came in 3rd in this years Vaporware Awards

Re:Phantom at CES? by ashitaka · 2004-01-20 05:41 · Score: 3, Interesting · on 2003 Vaporware Awards

Gamespot has some hi-res photos.

However, the number and types of ports on the back of this box ring alarm bells with me. How many PC-based consoles have:

Composite and S-Video and component video?

RCA and optical and "coax" audio?

Other little signs:

Power adapter plug has changed from previous regular PC style to circular multi-pin.

There is a coax connector for an optional internal cable modem (according to the proposed specs but an internal ADSL modem is also an option. How do you choose which?

This reminds me of the Moller SkyCar where they produce just enough prototypes to keep the investors happy but never actually produce anything.

If they didn't turn the thing on then this is probably just an empty box with some ports stuck on the back.

Re:Phantom Game Console by Mr.+Sketch · 2004-01-20 05:39 · Score: 1 · on 2003 Vaporware Awards

According to their website it will be out March 31, 2004, so maybe we should hold off on calling it vaporware just yet since it's only about two months away. Now, if the release date was Q4 2004, then it would definitely be vaporware.

Phantom gaming console by Anonymous Coward · 2004-01-20 05:16 · Score: 0 · on 2003 Vaporware Awards

I just stumbled across this priceless website disclaimer on Phantom's website I've higlighted some of my favorite lines.

"Prices listed on website are subject to change without notice. Infinium
Labs cannot be held responsible for pricing discrepancies due to errors in
website functionality. All product photos are for illustrative purposes only. Photos
displayed on website may contain optional items that are not included in the
default configuration for that system. Prices, configurations, and availability may
change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges not shown. Infinium Labs
cannot be held responsible for errors in photography or typography. For hard
drives, GB means 1 billion bytes and accessible capacity may vary depending on
configuration. For CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD+RW/+R drive(s),
maximum data transfer rates may vary and discs created with these drives may
not be compatible with all drives and players. For modems and network
cards/hardware, maximum achievable data transfer rates may vary. Award(s)
and quote(s) listed do not necessarily pertain to a specific system or
configuration. All registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Actual case may vary in design. "

Phantom gaming console by Anonymous Coward · 2004-01-20 05:16 · Score: 0 · on 2003 Vaporware Awards

I just stumbled across this priceless website disclaimer on Phantom's website I've higlighted some of my favorite lines.

"Prices listed on website are subject to change without notice. Infinium
Labs cannot be held responsible for pricing discrepancies due to errors in
website functionality. All product photos are for illustrative purposes only. Photos
displayed on website may contain optional items that are not included in the
default configuration for that system. Prices, configurations, and availability may
change without notice. Taxes and shipping charges not shown. Infinium Labs
cannot be held responsible for errors in photography or typography. For hard
drives, GB means 1 billion bytes and accessible capacity may vary depending on
configuration. For CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD+RW/+R drive(s),
maximum data transfer rates may vary and discs created with these drives may
not be compatible with all drives and players. For modems and network
cards/hardware, maximum achievable data transfer rates may vary. Award(s)
and quote(s) listed do not necessarily pertain to a specific system or
configuration. All registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Actual case may vary in design. "

Phantom publishers/games by gauauu · 2004-01-12 07:14 · Score: 1 · on More ApeXtreme Info

Their website has a list of lined up for the phantom.

It has a few "real" games like Civ 3, Neverwinter nights, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, and Resident Evil 3, but most of them seem to be the type of PC games that you see on the $5 rack at EB games

Anyways, it looks less like vapor-ware, and more like just a plain waste of money.