Sony Alpha 380 gets lukewarm reviews.

The leading model of Sony's "upper entry level" trifecta of Alpha-branded shooters, the 14.2 megapixel DSLR-A380, has been hitting test benches lately and we've rounded up the results for your perusal. The consensus appears to be that Sony has focused on bringing fans of compact cams up to the big time, with its uniquely responsive Live View and straightforward usability. Alas, ease of use is not the only thing brought up from the little leagues, with comparatively poor output at ISO 400 and above, lack of any video recording (as with the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000, its nearest competitors) and unsatisfying viewfinder ergonomics. Conclusion? If you were looking for a point-and-shoot on steroids, your search is at an end, young hobbit -- but photography enthusiasts should probably look elsewhere.

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PS3 Slim hardware still losing money

The Times Online had a sit-down with Sony Computer Entertainment boss, Kaz Hirai, after the big Gamescom show last week in Cologne. You remember, the event that saw the official launch of the PS3 Slim. The Q&A is an interesting read in whole, but the answer that stands out comes in response to a question about whether the lower-priced $299 PS3 Slim will be sold at a loss relative to its cost to manufacture. "Yes," was the quick answer from Kaz. That's a surprise for two reasons. First, the PS3 Slim benefits from more efficient 45-nm manufacturing processes used on its smaller, less power-hungry Cell processor. Also, just last month Sony's CFO told investors that manufacturing costs of the PS3 had dropped by "about 70%, roughly speaking" -- that comes to about $240 based on original manufacturing estimates of $800 when the PS3 launched back in 2006. Regardless, a console being sold as a loss-leader is nothing new in the gaming industry and, as Kaz points out, will almost certainly be offset by looking at the PS3 as a platform that includes the hardware, software, peripherals, and services.

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RIM buys Iris browser developer, Torch Mobile

Blackberry-maker Research In Motion has purchased Torch Mobile, the developer of Iris browser, an Iris-based Web widget platform, an RSS reader, and enterprise-level software products. Torch Mobile's development team will merge with RIM, and their energy will be spent on enhancing the BlackBerry mobile browser experience. The companies have not disclosed financial details of sale.

The buyout is good news for BlackBerry owners, as the handset's default browser is lackluster at best. That said, it will probably be a while before end users feel any effect from the acquisition. The mobile browser Iris is widely used on Windows Mobile devices, but the deal will cease development for that platform.

This purchase is one of RIM's many attempts to maintain traction in the smartphone race. The company has faced stiff competition, with Apple rapidly consuming market share. In early June, RIM scooped up ailing GPS company Dash Navigation.

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Microsoft extends Windows 7 Family Pack to Europe

Earlier this year, looking to placate anti-trust concerns in Europe, Microsoft proposed a browser-less version of Windows 7 for the region and then scratched that plan to favor the so-called browser ballot screen option. Its initial plan prevented European users from doing an in-place upgrade from Vista, though, so those who bought a copy of the operating system early were set to receive full licenses at upgrade prices.

Microsoft of course plans to honor those purchases but has now confirmed that, starting September 1, upgrade editions of Windows 7 with Internet Explorer 8 included will be available in the region as well. This leaves a one-week window in which European customers may continue to pre-order full versions of the OS at the upgrade price of €119.99.

Additionally, in a blog posting today at the Windows 7 Team Blog, Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc revealed that since upgrade editions will now be offered in Europe, the software giant will also be selling the three-license Family Pack - which contains upgrade editions - in select European countries. These include the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden.

LeBlanc mentioned that versions without Windows Media Player, marked with a prominent “N” and a big red box, will also be available for all Windows 7 SKUs in both full and upgrade editions, but for no discount off the regular price. This version is the result of a previous European antitrust suit over the inclusion of that software in Windows.

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Gran Turismo 5's damage modelling is unfinished

The game's new damage modelling was on show, though we must admit it looked a tad limited.

There's reason for this. Yamauchi-san explains in an interview with GamesBlog that the GT5 code brought to GamesCom "marks only the first step of what we want to achieve for damage."

It's also interesting to hear that Polyphony might be testing the damage out on gamers, since Yamauchi-san adds "we’re interested to know how far the players want to go."

Moreover, as previously predicted, the damage will not affect all car models in the game (of which there'll be a massive 1000):

"The damage already has repercussions on the steering but beware, it should not affect all vehicles in the game," Yamauchi-san adds.

It's also great to hear that GT5's release date is not far off, with Yamauchi-san explaining that the game will come out shortly after the franchise's PSP edition, which will be released on October 1st.

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