TechBytes: Google Voice Mail Expands

Oct. 27, 2009— -- Google is expanding its free voice mail service. Google Voice allows users to manage messages on their phones or over the Web. The service automatically transcribes messages that can be saved forever, downloaded to a computer or e-mailed. It works with any kind of cell phone and also lets users customize greetings for some callers.

Nintendo is reportedly planning to launch a new version of its DSi handheld, video game player. The new device will have a larger screen that could be used for electronic books and watching videos.

The bigger screen may also help attract older gamers. The new DSi will be released in Japan as early as this year but there is no word on when it might come to the United States.

Games such as "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" allow music fans to live out the fantasy of playing in a band and, now, a new music game will allow players to live out the dream of being a disc jockey.

"DJ Hero" goes on sale today. It adds a turntable and more than 90 tracks into the music game genre. C-net's Dan Ackerman gave it a spin and said, "Unlike games like 'Rock Band' and 'Guitar Hero,' where you're really playing familiar music that you know, DJ Hero mixes it up."

As for the structure of the game, he said, "It's built on top of mashups, which is where they had DJ's create unique mixes by taking one well-known song and mixing it with a second well-known song."

Overall, he said, "DJ Hero" will be a great party game because of its rich soundtrack.

Ackerman's advice is to go out and try the game, saying, "it's the kind of game you really have to get your hands on and play in order to be able to appreciate."

"DJ Hero" is available for all the major gaming consoles.

Rock band Metallica is releasing an iPhone application today. "Tap Tap Revenge: Metallica" lets players tap on the screen in time with the music, similar to a scaled-down version of "Guitar Hero." The game features 10 songs and sells for $4.99.