As the creator of video game hits “Dance Dance Revolution”  and “Karaoke Revolution,” Konami has proved its chops in music video games. But now the Japanese game developer is moving into “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” territory with rock music game “Rock Revolution.”

Reporter Jennifer Martinez tried out Konami’s E3 demo room to test the game and found crisp and colorful graphics — which were nearly identical to those of the two older rivals.

As in “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band”, “Rock Revolution” players follow color-coded notes streaming on a television screen to play a rock song and earn points if the song is played correctly.

Konami’s “DDR” was the first dance video game of its kind and an international success, but “Rock Revolution” comes late to the rock band genre party, where Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts dominate.

The game currently features 40 songs but will offer more downloadable content on the Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation3 after the game is released in Fall 2008. Some rock hits already featured on the game disc are Linkin Park’s “Given Up,” Blink 182’s “Small Things” and “Somebody Told Me” by the Killers.

The Konami reps were particularly proud of the game’s drum set, which includes a foot pedal and five drum tops to beat.

It’s closer to the real thing than the “Rock Band” drum set, but looks similar to pictures we’ve seen on gaming blogs of Activison Blizzard’s version for the new “Guitar Hero: World Tour” game, which will include a microphone and drum set in addition to its guitar controller.

So for now, it looks like “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” can rest comfortably in this battle of the bands.

IBM Chief Executive Sam Palmisano gloated to an audience of companies that sell its wares that Big Blue would make it through the current economic downturn with flying colors, since it is old and experienced. Riffing on the idea of age, he compared his tech behemoth to Internet star Google Inc, whose CEO Eric Schmidt was about to join him on stage in LA.

“It’s interesting when people think about companies like IBM and Google. I mean, we couldn’t be farther apart. We’re old, they’re young, we’re kind of boring, they’re innovative, we’re slow, they’re fast, we’re fat, they’re skinny,” Palmisano joked.

“How could you guys possibly work together?” the IBM chief asked himself. “I don’t know!” (The conclusion was that they worked well together, after all.)

Oddly enough, Palmisano may have edged out Schmidt on the cool factor though — the Google chief showed up in jacket and tie, while Palmisano strode around the stage with an open collar.

 (Reuters picture of Schmidt is from a different event, same look)

Watch out Steve! MySpace is days away from unveiling a site that actually may give Apple’s  iTunes some competition in the digital music space.
Sources familiar with the matter tell Reuters that a joint venture between MySpace and at least three major music companies offering music streaming, MP3 downloads, concert tickets, ringtones and merchandise is just days away.
Sony BMG Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music will have a stake in the venture they hope will take a bite out of Apple’s grip on their industry. It’s unclear if EMI Group, the fourth-largest music label, will be involved.
The labels have been talking for weeks with News Corp’s MySpace, but a 2006 copyright lawsuit by market leader Universal against MySpace has been a sticking point. Imagine a music company suing over copyright! One source said that suit could be settled in time for the announcement.
It’s not clear when MySpace Music would be launched.
All the companies either declined to comment or were not immediately available.
Long singing the blues over Apple’s strong-armed pricing tactics, some big labels have refused to sign long-term deals with iTunes, now the No. 2 music retailer in the U.S.
Will MySpace Music hit a chord with Steve Jobs, who may finally need to change his tune to sweeten the pot for the record companies?

Many people go to Las Vegas to shoot craps, play the slots or indulge in some high-stakes poker (and let’s not forget the Barry Manilow gigs). But America’s gambling center could be a great place for professional sports.

National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman told the Reuters Media Summit that the league is not looking to expand , but argued that Las Vegas has what it takes for at least one major sports franchise — although it needs a bigger stadium. Listen below to hear his thoughts.

Strauss Zelnick, the new chairman of Take Two Interactive Software, the video game publisher behind the violent “Grand Theft Auto” and “Manhunt” series, has a long history in the media industry and says he’s a firm believer that fake gore does not lead to real-world harm. He makes his case in this audio clip from the Reuters Media Summit.

Check out the size of his hands! Alright, maybe XM Satellite Radio Chairman Gary Parsons doesn’t have Mickey Mouse-sized mitts. But he still prefers his Blackberry to his Apple iPhone when it comes to typing.

Asked what his personal media and technology device he prefers — aside from satellite radios — he shot back, “Blackberry. I haven’t been able to get the iPhone keypad work as I like. I buy one of everything. Literally.”

His view on Facebook: “Also I do not Facebook because my college student wil not allow me to. But when he graduates, (slaps hands), I’ll be on there.”