Daily News Brief: Nintendo Wii Gets Funky DDR Upgrade!

Nintendo Wii Gets DDR Upgrade

Bet you were thinking of RAM, weren't you? No chips for you! Instead, we're talking about Dance Dance Revolution, the Konami title that's become a part of pop culture. For those that worried they just didn't look silly enough, the Wii version incorporates hand movements via the motion sensor remote and nunchuk, and of course comes with a dance pad for good old fashioned foot stomping. Up to four players can play at once, so you kids out there will have no excuse for not getting jiggy with your folks.

Do-Not-Call Violators Pay Price

Those listing their phone numbers in the National Do-Not-Call registry are hoping they never again receive a sales pitch in the middle of dinner, and the FTC's cracking down on telemarketers that violate the DNC list. Six companies have been charged, totaling $7.7 million in civil penalties, with Craftmatic accounting for more than half of the fines ($4.4 million). Keep 'em coming, FTC.

Is Google Infringing on Patent No. 5,694,593?!?

Northeastern University and Jarg Corp. think so, and they're suing Google over search technology they patented back in 1994 and 1997. So why wait this long before making a stink? According to Michael Balanger, president and co-founder of Jarg, it took this long to find a law firm willing to fund the case on a contingency-fee basis. No word yet on how much money the plaintiffs will seek, but with Google's stock recently hitting and hovering around the $700 mark, we at least 8 digits.

Adventure Gamers Rejoice!

Why? Because Sam and Max are back for a Season 2! If you've never heard of Sam and Max, then go ahead and skip this tidbit and get back to your fancy smancy FPS. For the rest of us, you can purchase a Sam and Max Season 2 subscription from Telltale Games for $34.95, or play individual episodes fo $8.95 each. Or better yet, treat yourself to a Gametap subscription this Christmas and enjoy Sam and Max and other groovy games for a $9.95 monthly fee, or $59.95 for a yearly sub.

Love at First (web)Sight

What do you do if you spot the girl of your dreams on a subway train, but then lose track of her? Set up a website called www.nygirlofmydreams.com and see how many New Yorkers you can get to help you stalk the unknowing damsel, of course! It worked for Patrick Moberg, who managed to track down Camille Hayton by sifting through lots of email submissions. And how was the community effort awarded? Patrick wrote on his website that there will be no more updates. But not to worry, we're sure it's only a matter of time before Hollywood writes a script around this one, with Drew Barrymore as the leading lady.

Disney Going Cellular...Again

But this time, they're taking it overseas. Disney plans to launch their mobile service in Japan on the Softbank network, which is currently Japan's number 3 mobile carrier. The two would jointly develop handsets, with the aim of enticing 1 million users through said handsets and downloads featuring Disney characters.