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What If Google Got Into the Console Market?

, Apr 17th 2013 Discuss [0]

The console market has been the subject of much debate lately. Nintendo’s Wii U has inspired some fans, and disappointed many others. Still others have ignored the device. Meanwhile, Sony’s PlayStation 4 has the gaming world abuzz with promises of dramatically improved graphics. And with Microsoft expected to announce a new Xbox at some point in the next few months, gamers are more excited for what’s to come than they have been in years.

But there’s more to it than that. A Kickstarter-funded company is selling a device known as Ouya that promises to combine the benefits of mobile and console gaming into one device that connects to the television. Steam is working on a console that will bring PC titles to the living room. There have even been rumors that Apple is planning a gaming push.

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Why the PlayStation 4 Is Already In High Demand

, Apr 13th 2013 Discuss [0]

The PlayStation 4 hasn’t even been shown off to the public yet, but already the box is on the minds of millions of people across the globe. In fact, in a recent earnings call with investors, GameStop president Tony Bartel said that his company has 900,000 people signed up for its first-to-know list on the PlayStation 4. And he expects demand to far outstrip supply of the console when it launches.

Such demand already might surprise some folks. After all, it took a long time for the PlayStation 3 to truly get off the ground and although it’ll likely end this generation with more worldwide sales than the Xbox 360, in the U.S., especially, it’s no match for Microsoft’s console.

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When Do Smartphone Screens Become Too Big?

, Apr 10th 2013 Discuss [0]

I have a problem. I own a smartphone – an iPhone 5 – that comes with a nicely sized, 4-inch screen. When I surf to Web sites, I’m able to see whatever I want. When I go to the iTunes Store and buy a movie or two, I can enjoy them without any trouble whatsoever. For me, the 4-inch screen is an ideal size.

Then again, I thought the same with my former iPhone, which came with a smaller 3.5-inch display. I thought for sure that I wouldn’t need a larger screen. But when I got my hands on the bigger display, I decided otherwise.

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Bad Context: Why nobody, not even Apple, has done mobile right

, Apr 3rd 2013 Discuss [0]

Your smartphone is dumb. Mine is too. I’ve got an iPhone in my pocket, and a Galaxy S III, and an HTC One, and they’re all stupid. The BlackBerry Z10 in my bag is a clot, and the Lumia 920 isn’t just thick in the hand, it’s just plain thick. Today, on the fortieth birthday of the first cellphone call, the gadget that was supposed to liberate us has turned us into plagued, screen-tapping obsessives, in thrall to every buzz and bleep.

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Would Android Matter As Much Without Google?

, Mar 31st 2013 Discuss [0]

Android is the dominant force in the mobile operating system landscape. And now more than ever, people are finding that the operating system is not only a strong competitor to iOS, but in some respects, might just be even better.

Now, I’m sure that Apple fans won’t want to hear such a thing. After all, for years, they’ve been supporting Apple’s iOS platform and to hear that Android could possibly come with features that surpass those of iOS is anathema to them. But perhaps it’s time that we all agree that, at the very least, Android and iOS are in a neck-and-neck battle for mobile operating system dominance.

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I fell for the HTC One in a Tokyo cat cafe

, Mar 31st 2013 Discuss [0]

I started off liking the HTC One. Now, having used it as my only camera while on holiday in Japan this past week, I’m in love with it. HTC has a whole lot riding on the One this year, and one of the more contentious features is the Zoe photography system, blending stills and short videos that are simultaneously captured in what the company says will “bring to life” your photo gallery. Attempts to differentiate from the gush of other Android devices with software customization is something we’ve seen so often now, it’s hard not to be cynical (and simply demand “pure” Android instead), but Zoe has turned out to be a different story.

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Apple’s War Chest, Samsung plastic, and HTC One supply

, Mar 21st 2013 Discuss [0]

The influence and cash flow Apple has right this minute may be squarely to blame for both Samsung‘s continued use of plastic to construct the GALAXY S 4 and HTC‘s trouble getting supply line at full speed for the HTC One. When you consider the vast number of products Apple creates that use large amounts of aluminum, you’ll find that the company is really rather invested in keeping their supply of this building block in order. When you consider the must-win situation HTC has with their new HTC One device, you’ll know how nervous they must be if their rumored supplier status downgrade is, indeed, a reality.

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Banning Used Games Is A Deal-Breaker

, Mar 20th 2013 Discuss [0]

Let me say this loud and clear: any game console that tries to block used games will fail. And I, along with other gamers, will be happy to see it.

Over the last year or so, we’ve been hearing rumors that Microsoft’s next console, currently codenamed Durango, could ban used games. Microsoft, of course, hasn’t said anything on the matter, deciding instead to keep its plans close to the vest until it finally has the chance to unveil the device to the world. But the steady drumbeat of claims that the console won’t support used games is concerning.

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Dear Apple: Android-loving hacking developer hordes await you

, Mar 20th 2013 Discuss [0]

Today it’s come to our attention that a collection of iPhone users out there believe that Apple might, in their next iteration of iOS, decide to give the average smartphone user Android-level customization options. I couldn’t disagree more. Though it’s clear that Apple should – in an early adopter’s dream universe – need by now to bring some major changes to their mobile operating system iOS, it’s just not going to happen. With Apple, change comes only when change is needed, and if you’ve seen the cash this company makes with each new iteration of its iPhone line and think they’re in dire need of any sort of radical change, you’re out of your mind.

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Stop the Nonsense, Nintendo: The Wii U Needs Help – And Now

, Mar 17th 2013 Discuss [0]

Can we all just stop the nonsense, please? I’ve been sitting here for weeks now, waiting to hear from Nintendo that it’s ready to make major changes with the Wii U. And time and again, I’m left with the company scoffing at such a suggestion. The Wii U will be just fine, Nintendo says. And it’s about time we all believe it.

Well, Nintendo, we don’t believe it.

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Google Reader petition surpasses 100,000 signatures, but it doesn’t matter

, Mar 15th 2013 Discuss [0]

We’ve already shown you a few alternatives to Google Reader to help you smoothly transition away from the service, as it’s shutting down on July 1. However, it seems many users still have faith that they can rally to bring it back. There are plenty of Google Reader petitions out there, but one in particular has received over 100,000 signatures.

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Should Apple Really Fear the Galaxy S4?

, Mar 13th 2013 Discuss [0]

I remember a time, not long ago, when the idea that Samsung and Apple would be in a war for technology dominance seemed laughable. The companies were partners in chip production, Samsung’s products were largely also-rans, and it was perhaps best known for its televisions and home appliances.

But now, with the Samsung Galaxy S4’s unveiling almost upon us, we’re here wondering if there will ever be a day when Samsung and Apple aren’t going for each other’s necks. The companies literally can’t stand each other. And although they’re both generating all of the profits in the mobile space, they’d like nothing more than to take each other down.

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