The week in gadgets


19 Sep 2011

A look at gadget happenings, as the next PlayStation update opts users out of class-action lawsuits, PS Vita will be region-free and the LG Optimus Q2 may arrive in Europe next weekend.

PlayStation’s next update to prevent class action lawsuits

Sony’s next mandatory system update for the PlayStation 3 will change its user agreement to stop gamers from filing class-action lawsuits against the company.

The Examiner reports that the fine print of the agreement says that people looking to bring Sony to court over PlayStation matters must do it “only on an individual basis.”

It’s believed this was brought in after users filed a number of class-action lawsuits after Sony removed Linux support from the PlayStation 3 and for its recent major security breach.

By not accepting the agreement at all, users won’t be able to play games online from their PS3. However, they can opt out of the class-action waiver by posting a letter to Sony within 30 days of accepting it.

PS Vita to be region-free, will have external battery pack option

In other PlayStation news, the PS Vita, Sony’s next portable console, will be region-free.

1up reports that Sony Computer Entertainment’s president of Worldwide Studios, Shuhei Yoshida, confirmed this after responding to a tweet about the matter.

This means PS Vita owners will be able to import games from anywhere for the console.

Sony also said there will be an external battery pack option after news the PS Vita’s battery life would only last three to five hours of gaming.

The extended battery pack will extend gaming time to up to seven hours.

LG Optimus Q2 with QWERTY keyboard could launch in Europe next weekend

LG has revealed the Optimus Q2, an Android smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard, could launch in Europe next weekend.

Electronista reports that the phone is equipped with an upgraded 1.2GHz Tegra 2 processor.

The Optimus Q2 will have a 4-inch LCD screen and will run on Android 2.3

It will offer a 5-megapixel, rear-facing camera and a VGA front-facing camera.

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