Mr. Click Chick Covers E3 2009

I was not able to attend this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2009, so I sent the husband, “Mr. Click Chick,” to be my eyes and ears there.

According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), more than 200 video-game publishers and developers exhibited at this year’s E3. It was well worth the quick hop across the pond to Los Angeles to see all the latest video games that will hit the market soon.

My lucky husband was able to attend Microsoft’s star-studded press conference. Yoko Ono, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney were there to promote The Beatles: Rock Band. Tony Hawk was there to show off his new game Tony Hawk Ride (it comes with a cool skateboard controller, too). Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid’s creator, introduced his latest Metal Gear Solid: Lightning Bolt Action, exclusive for the Xbox 360.


Last but not least, Steven Spielberg was there to talk about Project Natal, a revolutionary new way to interact with video games with no controller. “The next step in interactive entertainment is to make the controller disappear,” said Spielberg, visionary director and producer. “With Project Natal, we’ll see games that bring everyone together through technology that actually recognizes us.”

Stay tuned for more on E3 ... As I write this, the show is still going on.

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Hulu Desktop Unveiled
A couple of weeks ago Hulu finally revealed what its Hulu Labs project was all about. This latest development, called Hulu Desktop, adds more color to Hulu’s already popular TV show and movie-streaming site. It’s a “lean-back” viewing experience on your computer that unleashes Hulu’s Flash video capability from your browser and brings it to an application you can install directly on your computer (Windows or Mac). Even better, you can control it with your computer’s remote.

Unveiled shortly after I returned from a couple of months of traveling, Hulu Desktop was absolutely perfect to catch up on all the TV shows I missed while gone. It’s a simple Flash application, seamless, fast and easy to navigate - everything I would expect from Hulu. I enjoy the fact that no browser is needed and I can just sit back and control the interface with my Apple Remote, similar to watching TV. Additionally, you’ll still see commercials, but they’re very minimal compared to actually watching TV.

There are various ways you can find content: regular search (by typing in the show or movie you want), alphabetically, network or studio, Hulu channel or by most popular. I find it easiest to search alphabetically since I know exactly what shows I’m looking for.

Although you don’t need a Hulu account to use it, you do require one if you want to personalize your Hulu Desktop. This includes your queue, subscriptions, viewing history, video playback quality and closed-captioning settings. Download Hulu Desktop for free at www.hulu.com/labs/hulu-desktop.