T-Mobile has finally announced the pricing and release date for the myTouch 3G Slide, the successor to the first ever Android phone, the G1.

The device will be released on June 2nd, and will cost $179.99 with two-year contract.

The phone includes a 600 MHz ARM processor, Android 2.1 with HTC Sense and multi-touch support, 512MB of RAM, 512MB internal storage, a 5MP autofocus camera with LED flash, and a free 8GB MicroSD card.

The device has a 3.4-inch HVGA (320 x 480 pixel) touchscreen, and a trackpad as well.

One feature missing from the 2.1 included with the new Slide is "live wallpapers," interactive backgrounds that can be found on high-end devices such as the Nexus One and HTC Incredible.

Swype is the default keyboard, giving users the chance to use the record-breaking text input system that has been in closed beta for some time now.

HTC noted today that the device will get the 2.2 Froyo update later this year as well, which promises a 400 percent performance boost, tethering, portable hotspot tech, built-in Flash 10.1, and Microsoft Exchange enterprise capabilities.

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Wal-Mart has created a new online GameCenter this week, a site that will give "first-look" exclusives, game previews and monetary discounts off new releases.

As a launch promotion, Wal-Mart is giving a $50 off discount for any customer pre-ordering three games, or more.

Says Kelly Thompson, VP of merchandising for Walmart.com: "Walmart Gamecenter combines incredible savings with exclusive gaming content all in a compelling and interactive experience online. Gaming enthusiasts will be drawn in by the exclusive content and developer interviews, while moms will appreciate the special savings only Walmart can offer on the hottest video game titles."

Each month, the GameCenter will update and feature new games, content and special offers.

Additionally, GameCenter customers can trade-in their games and consoles, with the retailer paying all shipping costs.

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For the week ended May 17th, the Nintendo DS series of handhelds remains atop the Japanese hardware sales list, with the Sony PSP following close behind.

On an individual basis, however, the PSP-3000 did hold the top spot, with 24,475 units sold.

The critically-hated PSPGo, which removes the UMD drive, and added little else, moved just 871 units for the period.

The PlayStation 3 saw a jump to 20,463 units sold, pushing past the Nintendo Wii, which sold 17,570 for the week.

The new DSi LL, which has a screen increase of 93 percent from past models, continues to sell well.

Sales for week ended May 17th:

* PlayStation Portable - 24,475
* PlayStation 3 - 20,463
* Nintendo Wii - 17,570
* DSi LL - 15,879
* DSi - 9990
* Xbox 360 - 4370
* DS Lite - 2695
* PlayStation 2 - 1293
* PSPgo - 871

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Yesterday, we reported that four popular movie theaters in New York City had announced the ticket prices for the upcoming Shrek Forever After and for the first time ever, the IMAX 3D prices had reached the $20 threshold.

The theaters reported were the AMC Kips Bay, AMC Loews 34th street, AMC Loews Lincoln Square, and the AMC Empire 42nd street.

AMC now says the prices were incorrect, however, and the any online buyers who purchased for $20 can "visit guest services for a refund."

Reads the company's statement: "Unfortunately, a limited number of theaters posted incorrect pricing for 'Shrek Forever After,' which we immediately corrected. Any guest who purchased a ticket at the incorrect price can visit guest services for a refund."

I can confirm the price retraction, as checking the Lincoln Square theater, I was told the price was $19 for the showing.

While we may have not hit the $20 price point yet, at $19 now and rising, it is only a matter of time.

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According to a new report from The Diffusion Group (TDG), Americans will be spending more time watching videos online than via broadcast TV by 2020.

The report, titled The Economics of Over-the-Top TV Delivery: How Television Networks Can Shift to Online Content Delivery, says by 2020, viewers will be watching over two hours of online video daily, surpassing the time they spend in front of a TV.

TDG analyst Colin Dixon says Americans only currently watch 22 minutes of video content online, as broadband Internet is still, for the most part, in its infancy.

The report cites the growing number of Internet-capable devices as the main reason for the strong forecast, including set-top boxes, HDTVs with the capability built-in, and Blu-ray players.

As the devices become more standard in households, consumers "won't be thinking 'I'm watching online video;' they'll be thinking, 'I'm watching TV,'" adds Dixon.

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HTC has noted today that "most" of its recent and upcoming Android devices will be getting the 2.2 update (Froyo), during the Q3 this year.

These phones include the Desire, Droid Incredible, MyTouch 3G Slide and the EVO 4G along with other upcoming models.

Availability of the firmware update for older devices (like those released before 2010) was not noted, but seems unlikely, given that many still run on 1.5 or 1.6.

Says HTC: "We are working closely with Google and our other partners to ensure we have the earliest access to everything we need to provide a complete and solid Sense experience on Froyo."

While 2.2 was unveiled earlier this week to rave reviews, Google notes it is not completely finished yet. Device makers should have it within a month, however. (That is of course, unless you have a Nexus One, which has been given an OTA update for 2.2 already).

Froyo adds tethering, portable hotspot tech, built-in Flash 10.1, Microsoft Exchange enterprise capabilities, and a 400 percent performance boost.

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In early April we reported that in a decision that would likely take down the giant torrent indexer, a judge had ordered IsoHunt to remove all torrents linking to infringing content.

This week, Judge Stephen Wilson of the US District Court has issued a permanent injunction against the site, telling owner Gary Fung to immediately remove all infringing torrents and prevent access to such copyrighted material.

While the injunction does allow for the site to remain open with a very strict filtering system, it seems that the site has little chance to do so, as Fung could be held in contempt of court if any unauthorized files are found uploaded. This leads many to assume the site will shut down, at least to all U.S. visitors.

The MPAA had sued IsoHunt in 2007, and last year a judge ruled against the indexer, saying it created a venue for illegal file sharing.

The giant site is said to have about 2.5 million unique visitors from the U.S. each month.

IsoHunt has to start blocking infringing files and uploads beginning on Monday, after it receives lists of terms and films from the MPAA and RIAA.

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