Byte size news: Rugby Challenge sure to convert

Could the much-loved Jonah Lomu Rugby game be headed into touch as the best rugby game of all time?
New Zealand-based game developer Sidhe is betting their latest game, Rugby Challenge, will do just that.
They aim to release their new endeavour on console and PC in time to for next year's Rugby World Cup.
It will pack the All Blacks, ITM Cup, and Investec Super Rugby with more licensed teams and competitions in the pipeline.
Also sure to get would-be rugby gamers salivating will be the multiplayer online play, a multiyear franchise mode, customisation options and real-time commentary.
"This is an exciting time for rugby, both within New Zealand and internationally, and it is fantastic to be a part of that," says Sidhe managing director Mario Wynands.
Have the need for speed?
More than two million players have recently shown they've got a big need for speed.
Well a need for the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit demo at least.
Competing as both cops and racers in two events, the demo showcased the game's innovative social network, the "Need for Speed Autolog", which connects players with their friends while keeping track and comparison of each person's performance.
The Autolog also serves up challenges based on what their friends have been doing, creating one of the most simple, yet addictive, gaming experiences in recent times.
With the full version of Need for Speed Hot Pursuit in gaming stores now, this could be an under-the-radar gaming hit this Christmas season.
Perfect for the germaphobe
A clever gadget developed in New Zealand has been lauded.
The B2P MicroMagic Microbe Testing System, a hand-held device that can detect bacteria and other contaminants, on foods, was named on Popular Science magazine's "Best of What's New for 2010" list.
Being used in New Zealand, Australia and East Africa, the tester is now trying out the American markets.
This clever device requires a small sample of a food to be put in a sterile jar which is then placed in a portable incubator. A series of automated tasks are processed before the results are displayed.
All this is achieved at a remarkable pace, with some tests knocked over in 10 minutes.
The liquid in the sterile jar is blue when the test begins but turns pink if a contamination is found, hence the company's name B2P.
The biotechnologist who invented the testing system, Dr Rosemary Sharpin, sees global potential with this testing system.
"Even in the United States and other advanced economies, contaminated items can move through the food supply chain faster than traditional detection systems can find and stop them," says Dr Sharpin.
"With the B2P system, we can often identify unsafe items before they leave the field or factory."
Got any news, gadgets or queries? Contact lindsay.harvey@apn.co.nz