Now, with the looming launch of a tablet-style computer — already nicknamed the “iPhone on steroids,” with a bigger screen that might have a place in the living room — Apple could pose an even tougher challenge to established players in the video game business.

That assumes, however, that potential buyers aren’t scared off by a price that might be more than the cost of a Wii, a PlayStation 3 and an Xbox 360 combined. Apple isn’t commenting on its unveiling Wednesday.

Apple’s iPhone and the similar iPod Touch brought a new look to games because they have an accelerometer inside that lets people control the action by turning or tilting the device. With a touch screen and the computing horsepower for high-quality graphics, the iPhone lends itself to pared-down versions of console games like “Assassin’s Creed” and “The Sims 3.” Its size, meanwhile, makes it easy to consume addictive puzzles in 5-minute increments while waiting for the dentist or riding the subway.

Now the iPhone, which costs $99, $199 or $299 plus a monthly service plan, rivals gadgets such as the Nintendo DS ($130-$170) or PlayStation Portable ($170-$250), known as the PSP, which were created solely for playing games on the go. It’s unclear whether Apple has taken substantial market share away, but the iPhone likely introduced people to mobile games who wouldn’t have played otherwise.

“We’ve seen the iPhone and iPod Touch as kind of a starter kit for video games,” says John Koller, director of hardware marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment America. “When those customers are ready to graduate into a deeper experience, the PSP is there for them.”

Soon a tablet may be there for them, too. A touch-screen gadget that is bigger than an iPhone could provide a larger playing field for gamers and give game developers a new way to push the limits of their creativity.

“Any game where there are multiple moving objects on the screen, or a map to explore, will especially be a better experience,” says Ian Lynch Smith, the president of Freeverse, a developer of iPhone and Mac games. “Also the more high end, cinematic games will benefit directly from the more immersive screen size.”

Apple profits from games because it takes a cut of apps that are sold on the iPhone, where games generally cost between 99 cents and $9.99. Last year the company hired Graeme Devine, a developer with 25 years of experience and games such as “Halo Wars” and “Quake 3″ under his belt, to work on “iPhone gaming technologies.”

Of course, the tablet is likely to be about much more than gaming, but the same increasingly can be said about video game consoles. Makers of home video game systems are trying to sell their products as all-in-one entertainment devices.

Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360 (starting at $200) and Sony Corp.’s PlayStation 3 (starting at $300) both offer streaming movies from Netflix, for example, and Nintendo Co.’s Wii ($200) is set to start in the spring. Sony markets the PS3 as the “most fully loaded console,” one that “only does everything,” including Blu-ray movies, Facebook updates or Web browsing.

Given that Apple will have to persuade people they need another gadget in their lives, the company is also likely to bill the tablet as a do-everything device, a way for people to manage music, video, games, communication and Web browsing. And while it will be portable in a way game consoles are not, “it makes sense that it would be connected to the TV eventually,” says Peter Relan, chairman of Aurora Feint, the developer of a large social game network for the iPhone.

Smith thinks hard-core gamers will still own a console and use it as the primary gaming platform at home “for some years to come.”

“But I can see the tablet taking almost all of the casual to moderate gamer market,” he says.

The challenge for console makers will be to respond with innovation. One avenue could be in increasingly sophisticated motion controls, such as Microsoft’s upcoming “Project Natal,” which lets people manipulate on-screen avatars using their bodies. Natal is set to debut on the Xbox this holiday season.

“Games have become the killer pursuit on all new devices,” says Mark Pincus, founder and CEO of Zynga, the company behind popular Facebook games such as “FarmVille” and “Mafia Wars.” “They are the reason people buy major new hardware from the Xbox to the iPhone.”

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Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)
by Flip Video
(327)

Buy new: $199.99 Click to see price
29 used & new from $157.99

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Camera & Photo list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)

• Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom
• Simple user interface lets you start capturing HD video just seconds after powering on
• Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
  

  Click here for an interactive tour

• Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software
• Pre-installed FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
• FlipShare’s advanced compression technology allows for quick and easy sharing of high-resolution HD video in compact-sized files (via email or publishing online)
• Comes with Flip Video rechargeable AA battery pack (recharges when connected to USB); also supported by standard AA batteries
• Large 2-inch anti-glare color LCD screen to play back and delete videos
• HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it simple to watch video on your HDTV
• Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files

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Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Brushed Metal) NEWEST MODEL
by Flip Video
(29)

Buy new: $229.99 $229.00
4 used & new from $229.00

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Camera & Photo list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)

• All-new MinoHD is the world’s sleekest HD camcorder
• Slim, sleek design fits in any pocket or purse–perfect for shooting video on the go
• Captures 120 minutes of stunning HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no additional memory needed
• Simple user interface–power on and press record to start capturing HD video in moments
• Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare software
• FlipShare software makes it easy to email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still-image snapshots, and upload video to MySpace, YouTube and other sharing sites
• Large, 2-inch anti-glare color display to play back and delete videos
• Internal Lithium-ion battery recharges through built-in USB; also recharges when connected to Flip Video Power Adapter (not included)
• HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it easy to watch your videos on your HDTV
• All-new design features a unique brushed-metal front and soft, rounded edges
• Features a flat-back panel with touch-sensitive, backlit buttons
• Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per seconds (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files

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Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera (Black) NEWEST MODEL
by Kodak
(101)

Buy new: $179.00 $149.99
16 used & new from $147.99

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Camera & Photo list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)

• Take full HD 1080p videos wherever you go
• Get sharper videos and less blur thanks to built-in image stabilization
• Premiere your videos in the palm of your hand with the vivid 2.5-inch color LCD
• No cables to worry about–just swing out the USB arm to upload, share and charge
• Get a new perspective–take amazing 5 MP 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures
• Share on Facebook and YouTube with ease–built-in software makes editing and uploading simple
• Compatible with PC and MAC (Use with Apple iLife Suite of products) operating systems
• Compatible with iTunes for syncing with Apple TV, iPhone and iPod Devices
• Plenty of room for more–record up to 10 hours of HD video (Record ~20 min per 1 GB at 720p HD at 30 fps) with the expandable SD/SDHC Card slot that can hold up to 32 GB
• Capture your friends in their best light with smart face tracking technology
• See more details and accurate colors in low light
• Make audio awesome–the external microphone jack lets you record in stereo
• Be ready for the big screen right out of the box with complementary HDMI cable
• Record from a distance or play back on your TV with ease with available remote control
• Grab attention and define your style with the ultra-compact design, stunning looks, and a range of colors

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Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Black)
by Flip Video
(126)

Buy new: $149.00 Click to see price
20 used & new from $121.75

(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Bestsellers in Camera & Photo list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.)

Ultra Overview

• Easy-to-use, pocket-sized camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom
• Simple user interface lets you start capturing video just seconds after powering on
• Captures 120 minutes of full-VGA-quality video on 4GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required
• Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software
  

  Click here for an interactive tour

• Pre-installed FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
• FlipShare’s advanced compression technology allows for quick and easy sharing of high-quality video in compact-sized files (via email or publishing online)
• Large 2-inch anti-glare color LCD screen to play back and delete videos
• Watch videos instantly on TV with included connector cable
• Powered by standard AA batteries (included); also supported by rechargeable Flip Video Battery Pack (not included)
• Video: Full VGA at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files

Ultra Highlights

It’s the Camcorder, Uncomplicated
The Flip Ultra camcorder makes it easier than ever to shoot and share video. Ultra features Flip Video’s signature shoot-and-share simplicity: just power on and press record to start capturing high-quality video in seconds.

Ultra-Spontaneous, Ultra-Fun
With 120 minutes of record time, you’ll never miss another minute again. And because it’s super-portable, Ultra lets you capture spontaneous video anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a busy evening at your kids’ soccer match; a weekend camping trip; or simply an unplanned, everyday event, your Ultra will let you capture the moment. So you never have to say, “You should have been there.”

Incredible Quality
While it may be small, Flip Ultra packs a big punch. Ultra produces video that rivals that of far more expensive camcorders. Its 4 GB of built-in memory lets you capture 120 minutes of crystal-clear video, even in low-light situations. Premier AAC audio compression means your videos will sound crisper than ever, too. The included connector cable makes it incredibly easy to watch your videos on your TV.

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