Category: blog

1.Jimmie Johnson

After winning his fourth consecutive series championship, he overtook Cale Yarborough for the longest streak of consecutive championships in NASCAR history. With three victories in 2010, Johnson is the best.

2. Jeff Gordon

In 2009, he led the standings for nine weeks. Gordon is still King but has not yet won in 2010, and is seeking a victory in the upcoming Dover race.

3. Kevin Harvick

Always a favorite at the annual Budweiser Shootout, Harvick is also pumped from his April 25th victory at Talladega.

4. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

With his worst series points finish ever in 2009 at 25th place, Earnhardt Jr. is excited for a big 2010 rebound.

5. Matt Kenseth

Winning the Daytona and Auto Club races in 2009, Kenseth became the 5th racer ever to start the season with consecutive wins.

6. Kurt Bush

After winning in Atlanta on March 7th, Busch has nine consecutive seasons with at least one victory.

7. Mark Martin

At 50 years young he is one of the oldest players to ever win at Phoenix. He won five races in 2009 and is back and better than ever for the 2010 season

8. Kyle Busch

Kyle’s surprise victory at Richmond on the 1st of May has shot him straight back to the mountaintop

9. Tony Stewart

A seasoned veteran, Stewart won four races in 2009 and is still seeking his first in 2010.

10. Denny Hamlin

A ladies man, this stud already has two victories in 2010: At Texas on April 19th, and at Darlington on May 8th just a few short days ago

Check out these top online sportsbooks and latest online sportsbook reviews

1.Jimmie Johnson

After winning his fourth consecutive series championship, he overtook Cale Yarborough for the longest streak of consecutive championships in NASCAR history. With three victories in 2010, Johnson is the best.

2. Jeff Gordon

In 2009, he led the standings for nine weeks. Gordon is still King but has not yet won in 2010, and is seeking a victory in the upcoming Dover race.

3. Kevin Harvick

Always a favorite at the annual Budweiser Shootout, Harvick is also pumped from his April 25th victory at Talladega.

4. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

With his worst series points finish ever in 2009 at 25th place, Earnhardt Jr. is excited for a big 2010 rebound.

5. Matt Kenseth

Winning the Daytona and Auto Club races in 2009, Kenseth became the 5th racer ever to start the season with consecutive wins.

6. Kurt Bush

After winning in Atlanta on March 7th, Busch has nine consecutive seasons with at least one victory.

7. Mark Martin

At 50 years young he is one of the oldest players to ever win at Phoenix. He won five races in 2009 and is back and better than ever for the 2010 season

8. Kyle Busch

Kyle’s surprise victory at Richmond on the 1st of May has shot him straight back to the mountaintop

9. Tony Stewart

A seasoned veteran, Stewart won four races in 2009 and is still seeking his first in 2010.

10. Denny Hamlin

A ladies man, this stud already has two victories in 2010: At Texas on April 19th, and at Darlington on May 8th just a few short days ago

Check out these top online sportsbooks and latest online sportsbook reviews

1. Adrian Peterson

Team: Minnesota Vikings

Nickname: “Sleuth”

2. Chris Johnson

Team: Tennessee Titans

Nickname: “Cheetah”

3. Maurice Jones-Drew

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Nickname: “Tank”

4. Ray Rice

Team: Baltimore Ravens

Nickname: “Road-Runner”

5. Larry Fitzgerald

Team: Arizona Cardinals

Nickname: “Invincible”

6. Brett Favre

Team: Minnesota Vikings

Nickname: “Veteran”

7. Tom Brady

Team: New England Patriots

Nickname: “King”

8. Frank Gore

Team: San Francisco 49ers

Nickname: “Madman”

9. Peyton Manning

Team: Indianapolis Colts

Nickname: “God”

10. Eli Manning

Team: New York Giants

Nickname: “Stud”

Check out the latest NFL betting lines and NFL football odds plus get reviews of the best online sportsbooks

1. Adrian Peterson

Team: Minnesota Vikings

Nickname: “Sleuth”

2. Chris Johnson

Team: Tennessee Titans

Nickname: “Cheetah”

3. Maurice Jones-Drew

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Nickname: “Tank”

4. Ray Rice

Team: Baltimore Ravens

Nickname: “Road-Runner”

5. Larry Fitzgerald

Team: Arizona Cardinals

Nickname: “Invincible”

6. Brett Favre

Team: Minnesota Vikings

Nickname: “Veteran”

7. Tom Brady

Team: New England Patriots

Nickname: “King”

8. Frank Gore

Team: San Francisco 49ers

Nickname: “Madman”

9. Peyton Manning

Team: Indianapolis Colts

Nickname: “God”

10. Eli Manning

Team: New York Giants

Nickname: “Stud”

Check out the latest NFL betting lines and NFL football odds plus get reviews of the best online sportsbooks

1. Kobe Bryant

Arguably one of the top 10 basketball players of all time, let alone present-day.

2. Lebron James

King James is the savior of the city of Cleveland, to say the least.

3. Dwayne Wade

Wade single-handedly led the Heat to an NBA Title in 2006.

4. Amare Stoudemire

Big, sleek, and athletic, Amare is here to stay.

5. Tim Duncan

The most feared big man in the game, at 33 Duncan is considered the best power-forward of all time.

6. Carmelo Anthony

Known for his smooth and natural play, Big Melo is a player to keep your eye on.

7. Chris Paul

ome consider Chris the best player in the NBA, and time will tell us if his fans are right

8. Dwight Howard

At 24 years young, it is scary to think that Howard is already one of the best players in the NBA

9. Brandon Roy

well-rounded player who has really taken the spotlight in Portland.

10. Steve Nash

For a short man, his basketball skills are astounding

Check out NBA betting odds and top online sportsbook reviews

1. Kobe Bryant

Arguably one of the top 10 basketball players of all time, let alone present-day.

2. Lebron James

King James is the savior of the city of Cleveland, to say the least.

3. Dwayne Wade

Wade single-handedly led the Heat to an NBA Title in 2006.

4. Amare Stoudemire

Big, sleek, and athletic, Amare is here to stay.

5. Tim Duncan

The most feared big man in the game, at 33 Duncan is considered the best power-forward of all time.

6. Carmelo Anthony

Known for his smooth and natural play, Big Melo is a player to keep your eye on.

7. Chris Paul

ome consider Chris the best player in the NBA, and time will tell us if his fans are right

8. Dwight Howard

At 24 years young, it is scary to think that Howard is already one of the best players in the NBA

9. Brandon Roy

well-rounded player who has really taken the spotlight in Portland.

10. Steve Nash

For a short man, his basketball skills are astounding

Check out NBA betting odds and top online sportsbook reviews

1. Lionel Messi

Team: Argentina

Age: 22

Position: Striker

Current club: Barcelona

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Team: Portugal

Age: 25

Position: Winger

Current club: Real Madrid

3. Wayne Rooney

Team: England

Age: 24

Position: Striker

Current club: Manchester

4. Kaka

Team: Brazil

Age: 28

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Real Madrid

5. Xavi

Team: Spain

Age: 30

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Barcelona

6. Didier Drogba

Team: Ivory Coast

Age: 32

Position: Striker

Current club: Chelsea

7. Andres Iniesta

Team: Spain

Age: 25

Position: Winger

Current club: Barcelona

8. Fernando Torres

Team: Spain

Age: 26

Position: Striker

Current club: Liverpool

9. Steven Gerrard

Team: England

Age: 29

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Liverpool

10. Michael Essien

Team: Ghana

Age: 27

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Chelsea

See FIFA World Cup betting odds and 2010 football FIFA World Cup Betting Odds

1. Lionel Messi

Team: Argentina

Age: 22

Position: Striker

Current club: Barcelona

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Team: Portugal

Age: 25

Position: Winger

Current club: Real Madrid

3. Wayne Rooney

Team: England

Age: 24

Position: Striker

Current club: Manchester

4. Kaka

Team: Brazil

Age: 28

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Real Madrid

5. Xavi

Team: Spain

Age: 30

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Barcelona

6. Didier Drogba

Team: Ivory Coast

Age: 32

Position: Striker

Current club: Chelsea

7. Andres Iniesta

Team: Spain

Age: 25

Position: Winger

Current club: Barcelona

8. Fernando Torres

Team: Spain

Age: 26

Position: Striker

Current club: Liverpool

9. Steven Gerrard

Team: England

Age: 29

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Liverpool

10. Michael Essien

Team: Ghana

Age: 27

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Chelsea

See FIFA World Cup betting odds and 2010 football FIFA World Cup Betting Odds

1. Chase Utley

This Philadelphian stud is the team leader of the Phillies. He almost single-handedly led the Phillies to beat the Yankees in the 2009 World Series, with an impressive onslaught of World Series homeruns.

2. Chipper Jones

A long-time Atlanta Braves veteran, Chipper is one of the most respected and acclaimed players in the league. In 1999 he won the National League MVP Award.

3. Derek Jeter

Captain of the New York Yankees, Jeter is one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He has led the Yankees to 5 World Series Titles.

4. Ichiro

A pesky veteran of the game, Ichiro has baseball’s record for single-season base hits at a whopping 262.

5. Joe Mauer

A fan favorite in Minnesota, Mauer is catcher for the Twins.  Joe has won three batting titles and an American League MVP award.

6. Josh Hamilton

Living one of the most inspiring stories you will ever hear, Hamilton is off the streets and back in the game, better than ever. He is one of the best power hitters in the game.

7. Mariano Rivera

To close out a game, Rivera enters into Yankee Stadium with the well-known “Enter Sandman” song playing.

8. Mark Teixeira

Now on the New York Yankees, Mark was an integral part of the Yankees winning the 2009 World Series Championship.

9. Matt Kemp

An integral part of Joe Torre’s Los Angeles Dodgers, Kemp has emerged as the best Center Fielder in the game.

10. Tim Lincecum

One of the smallest players in the game, it is mind-blogging that Tim has emerged as the best starting pitcher in the game after a few short years in the Big Show.

Who is your favorite Baseball Player ?

For betting on MLB check out these top sportsbook sites and betting sites

1. Chase Utley

This Philadelphian stud is the team leader of the Phillies. He almost single-handedly led the Phillies to beat the Yankees in the 2009 World Series, with an impressive onslaught of World Series homeruns.

2. Chipper Jones

A long-time Atlanta Braves veteran, Chipper is one of the most respected and acclaimed players in the league. In 1999 he won the National League MVP Award.

3. Derek Jeter

Captain of the New York Yankees, Jeter is one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He has led the Yankees to 5 World Series Titles.

4. Ichiro

A pesky veteran of the game, Ichiro has baseball’s record for single-season base hits at a whopping 262.

5. Joe Mauer

A fan favorite in Minnesota, Mauer is catcher for the Twins.  Joe has won three batting titles and an American League MVP award.

6. Josh Hamilton

Living one of the most inspiring stories you will ever hear, Hamilton is off the streets and back in the game, better than ever. He is one of the best power hitters in the game.

7. Mariano Rivera

To close out a game, Rivera enters into Yankee Stadium with the well-known “Enter Sandman” song playing.

8. Mark Teixeira

Now on the New York Yankees, Mark was an integral part of the Yankees winning the 2009 World Series Championship.

9. Matt Kemp

An integral part of Joe Torre’s Los Angeles Dodgers, Kemp has emerged as the best Center Fielder in the game.

10. Tim Lincecum

One of the smallest players in the game, it is mind-blogging that Tim has emerged as the best starting pitcher in the game after a few short years in the Big Show.

Who is your favorite Baseball Player ?

For betting on MLB check out these top sportsbook sites and betting sites

Poker master Doyle Brunson, sometimes known as “Texas Dolly”, is one of the most fearsome players the game has ever seen. Brunson has played poker professionally for more than 50 years, and he is very, very good at what he does. He’s netted over $5.8 million in tournament wins during his career, and is the proud owner of 10 WSOP bracelets. These are things that every poker fan knows – but who is the man behind the cards?

Brunson is a Texas native, born in Longsworth on August 10, 1933. He was a runner, a basketball star, and an all-around excellent athlete. In fact, he was nearly drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers until a knee injury put him in a cast for two years, ended his basketball career.

His interest in poker started early on. He began with five card stud, and he the game was easy – Brunson is a born natural, some say. Before long, he was traveling around Texas, then eventually the neighboring states of Oklahoma and Louisiana, playing poker in illegal, underground games. He saved up his wins, and headed to Vegas – where he lost everything.

This didn’t stop him though. Brunson caught the gambling bug, and decided to settle down in Vegas. He played more and more, and was a regular participant in the WSOP, which saw its first game in 1970. By the late 70s, he had made a name for himself in the poker world, netting win after win and accumulating quite a lot of wealth.

Brunson got the nickname “Texas Dolly” when Jimmy Snyder’s tongue slipped one day. Snyder was supposed to introduce Brunson as “Texas Doyle” but somehow it came out “Dolly” instead. The crowed loved it, and the name stuck. Even today when Brunson plays online poker he uses the alias ‘texdolly’.

Brunson is still a poker master. He has published numerous books about his career and about poker strategy, and spends much of his time promoting the famous Doyle’s Room online poker site at events all around the world.

Here are a few interesting facts about the Texas Dolly that not all poker fans know:

• A “Doyle Brunson” is a 10-2 starting hand in Texas Hold Em. It’s called this because Bruson won the WSOP with this hand – twice!
• Brunson has played so much poker, he has seen three men die at the table. One was shot point-blank in the head, and the other two died of heart attacks, one from the shock of losing a huge pot to the Texas Dolly.
• In the early 60s, Brunson was diagnosed with “incurable” cancer after a tumor was found on his neck. Doctors call his recovery a miracle.
• Brunson’s son Tom won a bracelet in Omaha Hi-Lo at the 2005 WSOP, making the Brunsons the first father-son World Series winners.

“I’m a gambler,” says Brunson. “I’ll always be one. I couldn’t be anything else. So, my life will always be full of wins and losses. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s exciting. There’s never been a dull moment in my life.”

Poker master Doyle Brunson, sometimes known as “Texas Dolly”, is one of the most fearsome players the game has ever seen. Brunson has played poker professionally for more than 50 years, and he is very, very good at what he does. He’s netted over $5.8 million in tournament wins during his career, and is the proud owner of 10 WSOP bracelets. These are things that every poker fan knows – but who is the man behind the cards?

Brunson is a Texas native, born in Longsworth on August 10, 1933. He was a runner, a basketball star, and an all-around excellent athlete. In fact, he was nearly drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers until a knee injury put him in a cast for two years, ended his basketball career.

His interest in poker started early on. He began with five card stud, and he the game was easy – Brunson is a born natural, some say. Before long, he was traveling around Texas, then eventually the neighboring states of Oklahoma and Louisiana, playing poker in illegal, underground games. He saved up his wins, and headed to Vegas – where he lost everything.

This didn’t stop him though. Brunson caught the gambling bug, and decided to settle down in Vegas. He played more and more, and was a regular participant in the WSOP, which saw its first game in 1970. By the late 70s, he had made a name for himself in the poker world, netting win after win and accumulating quite a lot of wealth.

Brunson got the nickname “Texas Dolly” when Jimmy Snyder’s tongue slipped one day. Snyder was supposed to introduce Brunson as “Texas Doyle” but somehow it came out “Dolly” instead. The crowed loved it, and the name stuck. Even today when Brunson plays online poker he uses the alias ‘texdolly’.

Brunson is still a poker master. He has published numerous books about his career and about poker strategy, and spends much of his time promoting the famous Doyle’s Room online poker site at events all around the world.

Here are a few interesting facts about the Texas Dolly that not all poker fans know:

• A “Doyle Brunson” is a 10-2 starting hand in Texas Hold Em. It’s called this because Bruson won the WSOP with this hand – twice!
• Brunson has played so much poker, he has seen three men die at the table. One was shot point-blank in the head, and the other two died of heart attacks, one from the shock of losing a huge pot to the Texas Dolly.
• In the early 60s, Brunson was diagnosed with “incurable” cancer after a tumor was found on his neck. Doctors call his recovery a miracle.
• Brunson’s son Tom won a bracelet in Omaha Hi-Lo at the 2005 WSOP, making the Brunsons the first father-son World Series winners.

“I’m a gambler,” says Brunson. “I’ll always be one. I couldn’t be anything else. So, my life will always be full of wins and losses. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s exciting. There’s never been a dull moment in my life.”

Martina Hingis and Anna Kournikova will team up to play in the women’s senior doubles at Wimbledon this year.

Martina Hingis will play a senior doubles event at Wimbledon with longtime doubles partner Anna Kournikova. Hingis and Kournikova won two Australian Open titles together in 1999 and 2002. The 29-year-old Hingis retired from the WTA Tour in 2007, the 28-year-old Kournikova hasn’t played since 2003.

Martina Hingis and Anna Kournikova will team up to play in the women’s senior doubles at Wimbledon this year.

Martina Hingis will play a senior doubles event at Wimbledon with longtime doubles partner Anna Kournikova. Hingis and Kournikova won two Australian Open titles together in 1999 and 2002. The 29-year-old Hingis retired from the WTA Tour in 2007, the 28-year-old Kournikova hasn’t played since 2003.

1. Tobey Maguire

The famous actor most known for his rolls in the Spider-man movies has participated in several poker tournaments and won over $10 million in Hollywood home games.

2. Jenifer Tilly

The Oscar nominated actress had won a WSOP bracelet and a victory in WPT Ladies Night III.

3. Ben Affleck

The world famous actor and celebrity had won the California State Poker Championship, grabbing $360,000 in prize money.

4. Shannon Elizabeth

The Hollywood actress best known for her roll in American Pie has been developing her career as a pro poker player, competing in poker tournaments and playing against the best poker players in the world.

5. Michael Greco

The British actor most known for his roll in the TV soap opera East Enders, has made over $500,000 playing poker.

6. Laura Prepon

The Hollywood actress most known for her roll in “That 70’s show”  is the host of “Hollywood Hold’em” on the E! Network and a frequent player at the Bicycle casino in LA.

7. Michael Phelps

The Olympic champion Swimmer Michel Phelps is playing a lot of online poker. One of his dreams is to win the World Series of Poker.

8. James Woods

The famous actor is on the official team of online poker room Hollywood Poker.

9. Boris Becker

The famous tennis player is often seen playing in the EPT (European Poker Tour) and is serving as an ambassador for online poker room PokerStars.com

10. Jason Alexander

The Seinfeld star is a dedicated poker player. He participates in poker tournaments on a regular basis.

1. Tobey Maguire

The famous actor most known for his rolls in the Spider-man movies has participated in several poker tournaments and won over $10 million in Hollywood home games.

2. Jenifer Tilly

The Oscar nominated actress had won a WSOP bracelet and a victory in WPT Ladies Night III.

3. Ben Affleck

The world famous actor and celebrity had won the California State Poker Championship, grabbing $360,000 in prize money.

4. Shannon Elizabeth

The Hollywood actress best known for her roll in American Pie has been developing her career as a pro poker player, competing in poker tournaments and playing against the best poker players in the world.

5. Michael Greco

The British actor most known for his roll in the TV soap opera East Enders, has made over $500,000 playing poker.

6. Laura Prepon

The Hollywood actress most known for her roll in “That 70’s show”  is the host of “Hollywood Hold’em” on the E! Network and a frequent player at the Bicycle casino in LA.

7. Michael Phelps

The Olympic champion Swimmer Michel Phelps is playing a lot of online poker. One of his dreams is to win the World Series of Poker.

8. James Woods

The famous actor is on the official team of online poker room Hollywood Poker.

9. Boris Becker

The famous tennis player is often seen playing in the EPT (European Poker Tour) and is serving as an ambassador for online poker room PokerStars.com

10. Jason Alexander

The Seinfeld star is a dedicated poker player. He participates in poker tournaments on a regular basis.

Check out the latest NBA betting odds

Check out the latest NBA betting odds

Next up is the race in Spain – FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE ESPANA TELEFÓNICA 2010

Next up is the race in Spain – FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE ESPANA TELEFÓNICA 2010

The old black Haka is a traditional Maori dance. A Haka was traditionally performed before charging into battle.
in 1888 the first Haka was performed by a New Zealand rugby team in Britian.

The old black Haka is a traditional Maori dance. A Haka was traditionally performed before charging into battle.
in 1888 the first Haka was performed by a New Zealand rugby team in Britian.

World snooker champ John Higgins was accused of being involved with match fixing. News of the World alleges it has video footage of Higgins and his manager Pat Mooney making a deal with an undercover reporter, agreeing to take a £261,000 bribe to lose frames.

World snooker champ John Higgins was accused of being involved with match fixing. News of the World alleges it has video footage of Higgins and his manager Pat Mooney making a deal with an undercover reporter, agreeing to take a £261,000 bribe to lose frames.

Mobile gaming is nothing new. Even the most rudimentary phones sold today come with a few titles that users can click though in their spare time. Recently, however, mobile technology has reached the point that gaming on-the-go is becoming incredibly advanced, incorporating things like accelerometers, touchscreen interfaces, and 3D graphics accelerators into games to provide a much more engaging user experience.

While mobile telephones have yet to approach the capabilities of dedicated gaming platforms like the Sony PSP or Nintendo DS, they nonetheless offer impressive gaming potential. We took a look at the three biggest names in mobile phone firmware – Google’s Android, Apple’s OS 4, and the open-source alternative Symbian. Our goal was to answer one simple question: which mobile operating system is better for mobile gaming?

For each system, we looked at two types of games – dedicated and online. Dedicated games are anything written specifically for that platform; these usually need to be purchased, downloaded and installed in order to be enjoyed. Online games are just that – they’re out there on the internet, and users just have to point their phone’s web browser at them in order to play. These web games use either flash or java technology, and can range from simple Tetris clones to real-money casino games like slots, poker, or blackjack.

Android

Released in October of 2008, Google’s Android mobile operating system is based on a Linux kernel. As of early 2010, it is the fourth most popular smartphone platform, at least in the US.

The Android OS supports both accelerometer and multi-touch interaction. It offers excellent graphics capabilities, especially when it comes to its 3D rendering potential. Games like the popular HomeRun Battle 3D really show what the device is capable of. Visually, Android games can rival the Nintendo DS, and devices that offer a touch-screen interface make the comparison even more apt.

Online gaming on the Android suffers. Its java support is mediocre, and as of yet, it does not support flash, so most online games won’t even run on Android devices. Fortunately, full flash support has been promised with the v2.2 update, due out later this year.

• Pros
  • Excellent graphics capabilities
  • Multi-touch and accelerometer support
• Cons
  • Lack of available games
  • Very poor web game support

Apple OS 4

Apple’s upcoming update to their iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch software has been making headlines recently. It offers several great updates to the existing version, most notably its multitasking capabilities.

For gamers, however, not much is new. Apple has been shouting about the new Game Center, but users seem less excited. It’s basically a clone of Xbox Live, offering multiplayer gaming over networks. While Apple is in the lead in this department, we will have to wait to see how this pans out.

Beyond the new Game Center, OS 4 supports an enormous variety of downloadable games, available through the Apple Apps Store. Many are free, and those that aren’t come very cheap. The variety is outstanding, and the quality is often jaw-dropping, especially when enjoyed on an iPad.

As for online gaming, OS 4 fares quite well. Despite its lack of flash, there are many dedicated iPhone games that can be played instantly on the internet. In addition to many 3rd party providers, Apple hosts a huge selection of “official” web apps on its homepage.

• Pros
  • Incredible number of downloadable and web-based games
  • Multi-touch and accelerometer support
• Cons
  • No flash support (maybe never)
  • Games can be expensive

Symbian

This open-source smartphone platform has been in development for a while, but its code was just released in February 2010. Nearly half of all smartphones sold are based on the Symbian OS, making it the world’s most popular mobile operating system.

Most devices out there still run on older Symbian versions. In fact, at the time of writing this, only one device supports the new Symbian^3 – the Nokia N8. Its touch screen, HD screen and 3D graphics accelerator beg for hardcore games to push its limits.

Unfortunately, Symbian is behind the times, and has quite a lot of catching up to do before it can compete with Google or Apple for a top spot in the mobile market. Yes, the numbers are in Symbian’s favor, but if we look at quality over quantity, it comes in last.

Oh yeah, games – Symbian offers excellent java support, making it good for web-based games, but since most Symbian devices don’t offer touch screens, they can be cumbersome to play. Dedicated games for the Symbian are rare, and tend to look and play like the best games from five years ago.

• Pros
  • Widespread availability, high device compatibility
  • Excellent java support makes web gaming easy
• Cons
  • Most phones run old versions
  • Not much available in the way of download games

The verdit?

It’s hard to say. Symbian falls gently into 3rd place, that much is clear, but Apple’s OS 4 and Google’s Android battle hard for the number one spot. Apple definitely has the “wow factor” going for it, and the number of games available is astonishing, but with Android getting flash with the next update, it will offer something that iPhone users have been after for years.

At the end of the day, we are tempted to call Apple OS 4 the winner of the mobile telephone gaming war, but the world moves fast, and Android is catching up fast.

Mobile gaming is nothing new. Even the most rudimentary phones sold today come with a few titles that users can click though in their spare time. Recently, however, mobile technology has reached the point that gaming on-the-go is becoming incredibly advanced, incorporating things like accelerometers, touchscreen interfaces, and 3D graphics accelerators into games to provide a much more engaging user experience.

While mobile telephones have yet to approach the capabilities of dedicated gaming platforms like the Sony PSP or Nintendo DS, they nonetheless offer impressive gaming potential. We took a look at the three biggest names in mobile phone firmware – Google’s Android, Apple’s OS 4, and the open-source alternative Symbian. Our goal was to answer one simple question: which mobile operating system is better for mobile gaming?

For each system, we looked at two types of games – dedicated and online. Dedicated games are anything written specifically for that platform; these usually need to be purchased, downloaded and installed in order to be enjoyed. Online games are just that – they’re out there on the internet, and users just have to point their phone’s web browser at them in order to play. These web games use either flash or java technology, and can range from simple Tetris clones to real-money casino games like slots, poker, or blackjack.

Android

Released in October of 2008, Google’s Android mobile operating system is based on a Linux kernel. As of early 2010, it is the fourth most popular smartphone platform, at least in the US.

The Android OS supports both accelerometer and multi-touch interaction. It offers excellent graphics capabilities, especially when it comes to its 3D rendering potential. Games like the popular HomeRun Battle 3D really show what the device is capable of. Visually, Android games can rival the Nintendo DS, and devices that offer a touch-screen interface make the comparison even more apt.

Online gaming on the Android suffers. Its java support is mediocre, and as of yet, it does not support flash, so most online games won’t even run on Android devices. Fortunately, full flash support has been promised with the v2.2 update, due out later this year.

• Pros
  • Excellent graphics capabilities
  • Multi-touch and accelerometer support
• Cons
  • Lack of available games
  • Very poor web game support

Apple OS 4

Apple’s upcoming update to their iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch software has been making headlines recently. It offers several great updates to the existing version, most notably its multitasking capabilities.

For gamers, however, not much is new. Apple has been shouting about the new Game Center, but users seem less excited. It’s basically a clone of Xbox Live, offering multiplayer gaming over networks. While Apple is in the lead in this department, we will have to wait to see how this pans out.

Beyond the new Game Center, OS 4 supports an enormous variety of downloadable games, available through the Apple Apps Store. Many are free, and those that aren’t come very cheap. The variety is outstanding, and the quality is often jaw-dropping, especially when enjoyed on an iPad.

As for online gaming, OS 4 fares quite well. Despite its lack of flash, there are many dedicated iPhone games that can be played instantly on the internet. In addition to many 3rd party providers, Apple hosts a huge selection of “official” web apps on its homepage.

• Pros
  • Incredible number of downloadable and web-based games
  • Multi-touch and accelerometer support
• Cons
  • No flash support (maybe never)
  • Games can be expensive

Symbian

This open-source smartphone platform has been in development for a while, but its code was just released in February 2010. Nearly half of all smartphones sold are based on the Symbian OS, making it the world’s most popular mobile operating system.

Most devices out there still run on older Symbian versions. In fact, at the time of writing this, only one device supports the new Symbian^3 – the Nokia N8. Its touch screen, HD screen and 3D graphics accelerator beg for hardcore games to push its limits.

Unfortunately, Symbian is behind the times, and has quite a lot of catching up to do before it can compete with Google or Apple for a top spot in the mobile market. Yes, the numbers are in Symbian’s favor, but if we look at quality over quantity, it comes in last.

Oh yeah, games – Symbian offers excellent java support, making it good for web-based games, but since most Symbian devices don’t offer touch screens, they can be cumbersome to play. Dedicated games for the Symbian are rare, and tend to look and play like the best games from five years ago.

• Pros
  • Widespread availability, high device compatibility
  • Excellent java support makes web gaming easy
• Cons
  • Most phones run old versions
  • Not much available in the way of download games

The verdit?

It’s hard to say. Symbian falls gently into 3rd place, that much is clear, but Apple’s OS 4 and Google’s Android battle hard for the number one spot. Apple definitely has the “wow factor” going for it, and the number of games available is astonishing, but with Android getting flash with the next update, it will offer something that iPhone users have been after for years.

At the end of the day, we are tempted to call Apple OS 4 the winner of the mobile telephone gaming war, but the world moves fast, and Android is catching up fast.