Apple Updates – WWDC ’11
NEW STUFF!
Alright then – we’re back to some regular posting with a bang. E3 and Apple WWDC this week, so lets get down to it. Lot’s of fun stuff, including Apple’s new version of OSX, 10.7 Lion, iOS 5 (new notifications!), the new iCloud service, and most importantly, what it all means to you as a teenager.
Nintendo Announces New Console for 2012
So, Nintendo has officially announced a new console to succeed the Wii, to be launched sometime next year. Rumors are all over, including HD graphics (finally…), a new, touchscreen based controller, and 3D.
Expect more information to come soon, especially with E3 approaching, where Nintendo says that they’ll have a playable version of the new console.
New console generation. It’s been a while. This should be interesting….
Nintendo 3DS – Review
So, been waiting a while to write this one, since the 3DS is a product that truly needs to be used to be understood – the 3D effect being the critical selling point of the product. So, regardless of what I say here, if you’re considering to buy a 3DS, make sure to try and check one out firsthand first.
That being said, onwards to the review:
Hardware:
The 3DS, from a hardware perspective is like an improved DSi – similar in size and shape. The obvious changes is the inclusion of a new analog control disc and some new locations for the start, select and home buttons. Also new is a 3D camera, SD slot and WiFi switch. Oh, and of course, the regular top screen of the DSi above the touchscreen has been replaced with a widescreen, glassesless 3D display.
Software:
Ok, the big question – how’s the 3D? In short, it works. There’s a great effect of just dialing up the slider and watching as the screen literally pops in front of you. Unlike movie theater’s 3D, the colors remain bright and the gameplay doesn’t glitch. Racing games like Ridge Racer have added depth as you advance on a visible track, and the experience is just great. But again, you really need to see the effect to get an idea or whether or not you like it before spending the money. Also, the 3D effect requires a direct line of sight with the screen – tilt the 3DS too much and the effect is lost.
Also, the launch titles are pretty scarce on big games as of now, but expect that to be a non issue, particularly after the E3 video games conference in May.
In short, the 3DS is a marked improvement over it’s predecessors with a unique selling point of 3D. If you’re a big fan of the original DS and looking to upgrade, or love 3D tech, definitely check it out.
The Nintendo 3DS costs $249.99, and can probably be bought at your major technology retailers if they aren’t sold out.
Verizon iPhone!
Yup, that picture just about covers everything…
Those of you on Verizon, your prayers have been heard and answered. Verizon is getting the iPhone. It’s the same iPhone 4 as already existing, except, you know… on Verizon. As per the usual for that, can’t use call and data at the same time (that’s how CDMA networks work.) Other then a very minor antenna design change for the antenna (again, it’s different radio technology), the Verizon iPhone 4 will allow a mobile hotspot to share 3G over WiFi to up to 5 devices, as opposed the AT&T iPhone’s only tethering to one computer connected via a cable.
Pricing is $199 for the 16 GB, $299 for the 32, on 2 year contracts with data plans. No real pricing for plans have been announced yet. You can buy one February 10th.
There is no LTE, Verizon’s 4G network, included on it – it’s a 3G, Verizon iPhone 4. And to those who have been bugging me about this one for the last 4 years, enjoy.
Verizon to Hold Event on Tuesday, iPhone 4 coming soon?
OK…. I really, really, tend to shy away from rumor posts, but here it is anyway. Verizon is holding an event on Tuesday, in New York. Very far away from CES in Vegas which ends the day before, at which Verizon had 2 keynotes and announced basically everything they could possibly have announced – new phones, new tablets, etc.
Well.. almost everything. The Wall Street Journal – you might have heard of it once or twice, has announced that they’ve confirmed a Verzion iPhone is coming Tuesday. So, everyone who has been bugging me for the last 4 years when there would be a Verizon iPhone – Tuesday’s probably your day. Probably.
We’ll let you know what’s actually going on as soon as more info arrives.
CES Update – Android and Other Fun Things
Hey all – CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is in full swing this week, and some major stuff has been going down. So lets dive right in: [Editor's Note: Having a bit of an issue with pictures right now, will update later...)
- Android 3.0, Honeycomb, for tablets was announced, with a rather cool looking demo video. New features include a new task switcher, updated Gmail, a new, 3D video wall Youtube, and other features. Check the video to see everything:
- …And speaking of Android tablets, we’ve got two just announced, both running 3.0 Android: The Motorolla Xoom, a 10.1 inch screen (same as the iPad, roughly), with a camera, 1Ghz two core processor, which is impressive and eventual 4G connectivity on Verizon LTE (4G being the next generation of cell phone networks, even faster then 3G.) Also announced was the T-mobile G-Slate, which will have 4G as well – other information still forthcoming on that one.
- Microsoft announced a greater push on gaming and Xbox Live for Windows Phone 7, as well as Avatar Kinect – a digital chat lounge addition for Kinect that allows you to use your avatar to chat with other friends. Cool part is that it recognized not just your movements, but your facial expressions.
- Android phones – two that stand out. The Motorolla Atrix – AT&T, with 4G, and a two core processor as well. Front facing video chat camera, up to 48 GB memory, and a fingerprint scanner as the power button. But the cool thing here is the laptop accessory – the Atrix has a full laptop-thing that you dock the phone into, and the phone becomes an Android netbook. Which is insanely cool, especially for school – just carry your phone around, and also have it as a full netbook for notes. The phone actually includes software specifically for this use and is apparently VERY similar to using a full OS. It also has an optional dock which allows TV output and keyboard/mouse use, so you can use it as a full desktop as well. Not bad for a phone.
- Also of interest is the Samsung Infuse 4G, with the next generation of AMOLED screens (they’re supposed to be really nice), a MASSIVE 4.5 inch screen, 1.2 Ghz single core processor. It’s also thinner then any other phone out there. AT&T is the carrier.
- For the Verizon users, Motorolla also announced the Droid Bionic, an LTE (4G) phone. 4.3 inch screen, dual core processor, also looking very nice.
Roxio Creator 2011 – Review
Roxio Creator is an interesting suite (yes, suite is the right word here) of programs to review. It’s interesting in that it’s got a huge range of programs for media editing, burning and syncing. If there is something digital you’d like to make, chances are you can do it here. Whether it’s removing red eye from your family’s latest vacation pictures, to editing a video of your friend jumping over a garbage can, to making a mix CD of your favorite music, complete with a label and album cover, to ripping a CD, to converting videos to sync to your iPod, smartphone, or really any other device. All of these work simple and easy. Just launch, select any of the myriad tasks, and you’ll be on your way. And if you do create a large amount of digital content, (and I run this site on the concept that most teenagers do…), then this might be a great way to work with and upload content. Oh, and everything works with HD, which is really nice, as you can burn BluRay videos as well as view them (including copy-protected ones, which is a nice bonus).
However, aside from all the various slickness in the media editing and burning, both of which are simply, effective, and hassle-free, Roxio has added a whole new side to the program – 3D. It’s the first consumer level 3D video producing and editing software. So if you actually own a 3D video camera or digital camera (unlikely at this point, but hey, never know), you should probably get this, since it’s the only option you’ll get for editing 3D video. Or, if you, like myself and most others, don’t have a 3D camera handy, hang on a second. Roxio also does 3D video conversion – allowing you to convert your existing videos and pictures into 3D (albeit, not as optimized, but certainly cool nonetheless.) Video can be exported in a variety of 3D formats, the most important being the red/cyan one you’re likely familiar with, and RealD, which is the kind used in most movie theaters (might want to save the glasses from your next movie, if you’re planning on using this). And, if you’ve got a 3D TV (like, the real ones with the expensive glasses) you can export videos for that too.
In sum up – Roxio Creator 2011 costs $80, as ordered from Roxio’s site here. If you’re into 3D videos, again it’s a no brainer. If you’re in the market for a media editing tool for everything you have – video, photos, as well as a great file burning app, as well as a syncing program – the suite really is a jack-of-all-trades, and does them all pretty well, then it’s certainly worth taking a look at, and a great option. For teens, the price might be a little high, especially since they tend to not need this level of editing and burning, but as a family purchase, it certainly works well.
Xbox 360 Kinect – Review
It’s a Wii. But without controllers. Magic!
Alright, so Microsoft’s new motion enhanced hardware for the Xbox 360, the Kinect, came out today. I’ve been playing with one for a few weeks, so lets launch right into the review at lets go. Does the Kinect work? Will it revolutionize motion gaming? And is it worth the $150 for you, the average gaming teenager? Find out.
Hardware:
The Kinect sensor is fairly cool – it’s a camera, with a bunch of mikes, cameras, sensors, etc. You plug it into your Xbox, launch the software update, and wait a bit. Once you’re done, you’ll be walked through basic Kinect setup and configuration.
Does the sensing work? Yes. Very well. It’s seriously cool in some points, flinging menus across your arm, selecting icons with a wave, and watching your avatar move and shift as you do.
Even more cool, at least to me, is the voice command. Quite simply, this is the best usage of voice command I have ever seen, and it just works. Commanding the Xbox to launch applications, play and pause movies, and everything else just feels futuristic. The pain of repeating things over and over again, over-enunciating in an almost robotic voice to get yourself understood don’t happen here. Phone rang while I was watching a movie – I just called out, over my shoulder as walking to the phone “Xbox, Pause”, and it just pauses. It feels futuristic, and just plain awesome.
That brings me to the other main point – the launch titles.
Also – it’s worth mentioning that the Kinect needs a fair amount of space to work well – at least 7-8 feet, roughly, so make sure that you’ve got somewhere to put it before throwing down the cash.
Software:
Unfortunately, at least from the get go, I run into some problem with the game lineup here. It’s disappointing, but the Kinect right now feels like it’s going the way of the Wii in terms of motion control – gimmicky minigame collections and games for 8-year olds. Take a moment right now to consider the Wii – how many Wii games that are for real gamers – (not hard-core, Call of Duty addicted, midnight launch, plays 24-7 to unlock every single achievement gamers, but the average gamer) You’ll get a list of things like Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Zelda Twilight Princess, New Super Mario Brothers Wii – all games that don’t really need the motion controls in anyway.
And unfortunately, the Kinect looks to be heading in the same way – of the 17 launch titles announced – 4 are workout and fitness games, 2 are dance simulators, 4 are sports mini-game compilations. Get the picture? Right now, there isn’t really anything out there for the serious gamer. Where’s an MLB game where I can pitch and bat a full ball game? Not minigames, but an actual game with real players. Or something that puts the voice command to use – imagine a Halo: Reach that doesn’t merely let you play with the control, but aim with motion controls and command your squad with voice commands. The potential is huge, but right now it just feels that there isn’t anything there for gamers looking for an actual gaming experience. For a fun replication of real world activities, it’s fun and it works. But the game lineup doesn’t have and doesn’t seem to plan to cater to more serious gamers – just as the Wii has gravitated for the most part towards the very young and very old, the Kinect seems to be following.
Does it work? Absolutely. Is it very cool? Certainly. But in terms of game lineup, especially for teenagers, at this time, the game lineup doesn’t exist to justify the $150 dollars, especially for teenagers. In a year from now, is it likely that the game lineup will have some real games for teenagers to make it worth it – so unless you’ve got to have the latest technology, wait it up a bit. Not saying don’t buy it, but to wait for some games that are interesting before you lay down the cash.
