Don Reisinger

Author Archive for Don Reisinger

Columns

Do Apple Fans Love Tim Cook?

Don Reisinger, Dec 15th 2012 Discuss [130]

Almost as soon as Steve Jobs became a household name decades ago, Apple fans loved him. They viewed Jobs as their fearless leader; someone that, in good times and bad, would find a way to help the company and best all others.

Over the years, numerous books and articles have been written on the late Jobs’ God-like status among his legion of followers. Apple fans have historically rejoiced at the very mention of his name, and whenever he took the stage to show off a new product, those folks viewed it favorably simply because their leader said it was the best product around.

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Columns

When Will That Apple Television Finally Launch?

Don Reisinger, Dec 14th 2012 Discuss [11]

The Apple Television has been rumored for a long, long time. We’ve heard that the television will come in multiple sizes, probably be priced a bit higher than the average set on the market, and integrate iCloud. Better yet, it’ll support apps, allowing for more functionality across the board.

The most talk surrounding the television cropped up last year when Walter Isaacson published his Steve Jobs biography. In that, Jobs noted that he believed that he had finally “cracked” the code for a television that would best all others in the marketplace. Analysts, ready to predict Apple’s plans, performed a host of supply chain checks to find out if Apple was in fact working on a television. Nearly universally, they said that it indeed was.

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Columns

Why Nintendo Must Launch A New Console In 2014

Don Reisinger, Dec 7th 2012 Discuss [131]

The gaming industry is ready yet again for a major change. Every five years or so, gamers are asked to toss away their old hardware and buy the new stuff. The cost, of course, is high, and the effort to actually get a new console is somewhat ridiculous in the beginning, but like good, trusting gamers, we oblige.

The so-called “next generation” is starting now. Nintendo has launched its Wii U, and that device delivers HD graphics and a vastly improved experience compared to the company’s previous console, the Wii. For now, the console is sold out and likely will remain so for the next few months.

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Columns

Is An Unlocked iPhone Really That Great?

Don Reisinger, Dec 5th 2012 Discuss [58]

Apple’s iPhone 5 is now available unlocked for those who don’t want to even think about being stuck with a carrier. However, the unlocked handset won’t come cheap – the device ships for a starting price of $699 for a 16GB option, and quickly goes up to $899 for the 64GB version.

To put that into perspective, Apple’s iPhone 5 ships for a starting price of $199 for those customers that are willing to be caught in the grips of a major carrier, like AT&T or Verizon. The top-of-the-line 64GB model goes for $399 when it’s locked down.

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Columns

Nintendo’s Wii Mini Is One Big, Bad Idea

Don Reisinger, Nov 29th 2012 Discuss [38]

Nintendo quietly announced the Wii Mini recently. The console, which will be available in Canada for $100, supports over 1,000 Wii games, but lacks a host of important features, including backward compatibility with GameCube titles and the ability to connect in any way to the Internet.

Of course, Nintendo has said that the Wii Mini is the perfect value. The console is cheaper than the Wii and is smaller. Plus, it’s the perfect entry point for new gamers who don’t care about the old days and simply want to get their motion gaming on.

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Columns

Does Apple Inspire Greatness In Other Companies?

Don Reisinger, Nov 22nd 2012 Discuss [54]

I’ve always been fascinated by the way Apple is viewed in the technology industry. The company is equally beloved by a massive fanbase that would defend it to its dying days and hated by those who refuse to believe Steve Jobs was really a visionary and Apple products are worth the price.

Because of those differing opinions, it’s been tough for Apple to get an objective evaluation. Those in the company’s quarters cannot possibly believe that Apple would do wrong or hurt any other firm. Those against the iPhone maker can’t possibly see a world where Apple isn’t hurting others.

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Columns

Sales Mean Nothing: Call of Duty Has Gone Stale

Don Reisinger, Nov 17th 2012 Discuss [95]

Another year, another November where Activision gets to tout its success with the Call of Duty franchise. This time around, the game company has announced that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has generated $500 million on launch day, becoming the company’s biggest opening yet. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 hit $400 million in sales on launch day last year.

As expected, Activision claims that the game’s success is due to its unique gameplay and new takes on a popular gaming genre. And as expected, the millions around the globe that have flocked to game stores have helped the game publisher celebrate.

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Columns

Why Does the Music Industry Seem to Hate Fairness?

Don Reisinger, Nov 15th 2012 Discuss [22]

Is it just me or does the music industry really, really hate fairness? For years now, we’ve been hearing about labels trying to limit what we can access on digital stores and musicians holding out on offering their tracks because of the so-called “unfairness” across the Web.

You remember it, right? Apple for years was trying to bring certain record labels into the iTunes fold, but they continued to fight it. And when The Beatles finally (finally!) came to iTunes, it was as if the prior several years spent waiting for the band’s catalog wasn’t necessary.

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Columns

Should Carl Icahn Really Scare Netflix? Yep.

Don Reisinger, Nov 12th 2012 Discuss [6]

The drama surrounding Netflix is at a fever pitch. The company, despite stabilizing a bit and seeing its streaming grow, is trying to fend off Carl Icahn, one of the most tech-hungry activist investors out there.

If you haven’t been following the drama, you should know that Carl Icahn recently invested enough cash to take a nearly 10 percent stake in Netflix. Worried that Icahn might have something up his sleeve – you know, like acquiring enough Netflix shares to take control over the company – the streaming provider initiated a poison pill.

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Columns

Does Halo 4 Make Bungie Irrelevant?

Don Reisinger, Nov 10th 2012 Discuss [47]

Halo 4 has gotten a lot of people talking.

After Microsoft ousted Bungie to take over the Halo franchise, there was rampant speculation over what the future might look like for the world-renowned games. Would they deliver a new experience? Would they follow in Bungie’s footsteps? Would they try to tread new ground?

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Columns

Does Apple Actually Help Competitors?

Don Reisinger, Nov 7th 2012 Discuss [35]

Apple is one of the few companies in the technology industry that isn’t viewed the same by the majority of consumers. There are some that view Apple as the greatest company in the world, delivering products and services that no other company can match. To those folks, Apple, and its late co-founder Steve Jobs, are worthy of the highest praise. To other folks, however, Apple is despised.

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Columns

Why I’m OK with the Death of Consoles

Don Reisinger, Nov 4th 2012 Discuss [49]

I’ve been a gaming fan my entire life. From the old days of arcades on through to today’s iPhone gaming, I’ve found a way to incorporate video games into my life. Without them, I don’t think I’d feel as entertained as I am right now.

A key component in my video game love over the years has been consoles. From the Nintendo Entertainment System through the Sega Genesis and countless devices that came after, consoles have been the cornerstone of my gaming experience.