Electronic Arts says that Battlefield 1943, the download-only first person shooter game will be released on the Xbox Live and PlayStation Network next week. Xbox users can download on July 8th, and those on the PlayStation network can download beginning July 9th.

Microsoft has introduced an application that allows aspiring developers to create their own Xbox 360 games. Built using Microsoft's XNA Studio, Kodu Game Lab offers users a simple image-based menu along with 200 different programming features.

The Playstation 3 slim rumor is one of those rumors that just won’t go away. New pictures and information provided by usual “industry sources” that a new PS3 form factor may be on track for a release this month, along with a long expected price cut. Both rumors seem very credible, especially since Sony has to cut the PS3’s price and since it can shrink the size of the PS3 box due to a much less power-hungry Cell BE processor.

Joost, the online video startup, has decided to abandon the consumer market. Instead, it will focus on providing 'white label' online video platforms, allowing media companies such as cable and satellite providers, broadcasters and video aggregators, to publish video under their own brand names.

A veteran industry analyst has predicted that Nintendo will continue to dominate the global console market. According to Michael Pachter, the Wii's low price point, "innovative" controller and compatibility with standard definition television sets are likely to provide it with a "competitive advantage" over the next two years.

Sega has reportedly halted development of an unamed Aliens RPG. However, Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines and Rebellion's Alien vs. Predator are still slated for a 2010 release.

Sony is reportedly planning a major Playstation 3 firmware update. According to VG247, PS3 Firmware 3.0 will offer a "completely new system" for the console. The update - described as a "huge overhaul" - was compared to the NXE (New Xbox Experience) "in some respects."

Club Cupertino has unceremoniously banned the popular "Hottest Girls" application for the iPhone. Unconfirmed rumors of an Apple ban began to circulate on Thursday when access to the erotic application was "temporarily" blocked  by developers in a desperate attempt to prevent a massive server collapse.

The creative director of Triumph Studio has claimed that the Wii is too "last-gen" for direct porting of Xbox 360 games. According to Lennart Sas, Nintendo's lack of graphic and processing technology prompted the studio to create a separate version of Overlord II for the Wii.