Editorials - SlashGear

‘editorials’ Stories

Columns

Technology meets the History of Jazz

Tim Bajarin, Jan 29th 2011 Discuss [2]

One of my favorite cities in the US is New Orleans. I was originally introduced to this city when I had to go there on business some 20 years ago and fell in love with its people, food and culture. I take two weeks each year and designate them as eating holidays and, while one week may take place in Asia or Europe, the other week almost exclusively is in New Orleans. This city is known for its wonderful food scene with great dishes like Oyster Po Boys, red beans and rice, gumbo, jambalaya and the mufaletta and my favorite, a N’awlins crawfish feed.

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Columns

Techies can be Foodies Too

Tim Bajarin, Jan 23rd 2011 Discuss [5]

As an industry analyst for over 30 years, I have had to travel to over 55 countries for my work and spend countless hours on the road each year. And when I ended up with downtime in any location, I needed something to do other then ponder the future of tech. So early in my career I decided that I would learn about each country’s culture and especially their food.

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Columns

Dear Logitech: The Revue Is Overpriced

Don Reisinger, Jan 22nd 2011 Discuss [8]

I’m a firm believer in Google TV. I think the platform has more promise than any other software running on set-top boxes today. With the right vision and some fulfilment on promises Google has made in the past, I think it’s quite possible for the company’s platform to entirely change the way we enjoy entertainment in the living room.

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Columns

Is 17 the Right Cut-Off Age for Mature-Rated Games?

Don Reisinger, Jan 20th 2011 Discuss [25]

In the video game industry, debate rages over what kind of content is appropriate for children and what is not. Some say that the interactivity of a violent game make it a potentially more dangerous activity for the average child than watching a violent film. Those on the other side of the debate say that with the vast majority of players, violent games have little impact, and the industry should not be treated differently than Hollywood.

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Columns

Facebook, Privacy & a little Self-Control

Chris Davies, Jan 18th 2011 Discuss [6]

Another Facebook change, another privacy uproar. Read the headlines and you might have thought the social network was planning to open the books on private cellphone numbers and home addresses to any advertiser willing to slip them some cash, rather than adding some more sharing options along with the usual granular control over who gets to see what of your digital details. Unsurprisingly Facebook froze its plans pending a reassessment of its privacy controls; unfortunately, nobody is taking Facebook users – and the online community in general – to task over taking some responsibility for what they share.

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Columns

A Real Tablet has a Stylus

Chris Davies, Jan 17th 2011 Discuss [24]

2011 may be the year of the tablet, but as a segment it’s still painfully immature. Our hands-on with ASUS’ Eee Slate EP121 last week triggered the usual arguments, dismissing the 12.1-inch tablet out of hand because of its perceived “old” technology. Admittedly, there are plenty of points where the EP121 could fall short: ASUS reckon users will see up to 8hrs runtime, which seems hopelessly ambitious for a relatively slimline slate with a Core i5 processor, and the display was frustratingly glossy. Still, the dual-mode hybrid touchscreen is its crowning glory for those who understand that there’s more to a stylus than most – Steve Jobs included – would have you believe.

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Columns

Why My Kinect is Not Collecting Dust

Ben Bajarin, Jan 16th 2011 Discuss [31]

A few days ago a fellow SlashGear columnist Don Reisinger elaborated on how his Kinect was collecting dust. If I put myself in Don’s shoes I can relate to his article and his questioning of whether or not the Kinect can meet the needs of hard core gamers and a hard core gaming experience. I, however, in coming at it from a different angle, have a completely different experience with my Kinect.

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Columns

Call Me When Streaming Matches Blu-ray

Don Reisinger, Jan 15th 2011 Discuss [23]

I’ll be the first to admit that when Blu-ray first launched, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure if the new technology was a worthwhile investment for someone like me. Sure, it delivered more storage and higher-quality video and audio, but I simply saw it as another way to take my hard-earned cash for little benefit over DVD.

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Columns

My Kinect Is Already Collecting Dust

Don Reisinger, Jan 13th 2011 Discuss [40]

Not too long ago, I wrote on these pages that the Nintendo Wii in my house was collecting dust. I explained that Wii games aren’t as appealing to me as they might be to other gamers. I also told you that I wasn’t all that impressed by the Wii Remote itself. Suffice it to say that I’m perfectly content with a traditional controller.

So, when I purchased Microsoft’s Kinect after a few weeks of deciding whether or not it would be a sound purchase, I was a little concerned that the unique motion option would fall flat in the same way.

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Columns

CES 2011 is Over and I’m Still Alive

Evan Selleck, Jan 11th 2011 Discuss [21]

Before the Consumer Electronics Show kicked off in Las Vegas, I wrote up a piece about how I was excited, and equally uneasy, about the trip to Vegas and the impending show. It’s the biggest tech show around, and while it may not seem like it, there really is a lot to do. But, time marches on, and here we are a couple days after the show has officially wrapped up. So, I figured I’d tell you how it all went, and whether or not I’m looking forward to next year’s extravaganza.

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Columns

Video Games Deserve As Much Respect As Movies

Don Reisinger, Jan 8th 2011 Discuss [6]

I’m always quick to come to the defense of the video game industry when I feel it’s being unfairly criticized. Too often, critics say that the industry is overrun with characters and storylines that are targeted at kids. They believe that the industry hasn’t matured over the past twenty years, and is still caught in a time when plumbers and hedgehogs were all the rage.