Apple announces the iPad

Finally ending months (years maybe?) of speculation, Apple finally announced their long rumored tablet computer, now know as the iPad (see, it's like iPod... but with an "a"). And, before I get into detail, I'm glad this wasn't called the iTablet or iSlate, as rumored, because those just sound awful.

(Note: This is the standard version, the pricier, 3G enabled version has a plastic black bar on top akin to the original iPhone)

Important things first, the iPad features a 9.7" multi-touch screen, an accelerometer, speakers, headphone jack, and microphone input. The standard, 16GB wi-fi enabled iPad will launch at $499, with 32GB and 64GB versions priced at $599 and $699 respectively. For those on the go, without a wi-fi signal, Apple will also be releasing a wi-fi/3G enabled version with the 16GB size costing $629, 32GB costing $729, and the 64GB at $829. Meaning that even if you get the highest model, you'll still pay under $1,000. Sure, it's still expensive, but considering what it can do, it's cheaper than Apple's Macbook options.

So, what can it do? Well, from the looks of it, it's just a big iPod touch/iPhone, right? And, to an extent, it is, but there's more to it. Most notably, the larger interface/CPU, which not only allows apps like E-mail, and Safari to run faster and smoother, but also makes them more intuitive thanks to the larger screen and ability to use a nearly full-size touch-screen keyboard.

Other apps, like iPod and the iTunes and App Stores now benefit from an interface that closely resembles their PC/Mac counterparts, instead of dealing with the iPhone/iPod touch's small screen and touch keys. Also adding to the Mac-like feel of the iPad is a new version of iWorks (for Windows users, this is basically Apple's version of Office), which gives the device a purpose for those looking to use this for work, and not just entertainment or relaxation purposes.

Which brings me to the next feature, iBooks and the iBookstore, not to be confused with Apple's old iBook laptops. Much like the iTunes and App Stores, the iBookstore will allow you to purchase digital versions of new and classic books, with full color printing (so yes, even comics could be available, assumingly) and even added features like audio/video can be included as well; which gives it a bit of a step above Amazon's popular Kindle eBook reader.

But what about all of your iPod touch and iPhone apps that you've purchased over the last few years? Great news! Most, if not all, iPhone apps will run on the iPad without issue. And you can even choose between the option to use them at their original iPhone resolution (in a smaller box), or stretch them to run at full-screen. So if you were to hypothetically buy an iPad right now, you'd need not to worry about repurchasing all of your favorite apps.

Lastly, those looking for a much more computer like interface, Apple will also be releasing a propriety keyboard that also doubles as a stand, giving the iPad the look and feel of a mini iMac, but with an awesome touch-screen display. The standard wifi version of the iPad is expected to ship this March, with wifi/3G enabled iPad expected to release some time this April.

For more information, pictures, videos, and far better explanations of the features, be sure to visit Apple.com's new iPad website.

Reminder: You're screwed if you still have an antenna tomorrow

After a delay in February, the United States will official abandon analog television tomorrow. What's this mean for you? Well, if you still get your TV signal from antenna, 1) shame on you, and 2) as of tomorrow, you will stop getting TV service.

Those of us with cable, digital cable, and/or satellite TV will be fine. However, my room here doesn't run off digital cable box, I just have a cable wire, and I've already started losing out on some channels. But, it's not like I don't have an alternative, but that's none of your concern.

If are are running on an antenna right now, it's still not to late to apply for the government's TV Converter Box Coupon Program.

Never did a PSA here before, but it feels good to help out. Have fun finding out if you still get TV service tomorrow!

Zune HD

Because I just realized I made mention of it in the E3 post, and noticed that I never actually posted it; and I'd rather not get angry e-mails about how I cover new iPods and not new products from competitors.

Yes, Microsoft has decided to up the anty on its Zune line in order to compete with Apple's iPod touch and various other touch screen portable media players. The Zune HD will feature a true 16:9 OLED touch display with the capability of 720p output. The device will continue the Zune tradition of including radio, although this time around it will be the first portable device capable of using HD Radio. Also, it will include a browser ... based on Internet Explorer.

Design wise, I personally think the industrial-esque design is more appealing than the bulky, matte design of early Zune models, or the overly glossy look of recent designs. I'm almost expecting this thing to be a Transformer, and I guess that's always neat to have in the back your mind when you listen to music or watch movies. But, this of course isn't Mac compatible, and I already have an iPod.

What does everyone else think? And how soon do you think will we see Microsoft pushing gaming on the Zune HD?

via Zune HD page at Zune.net

GDC09: OnLive - Thoughts

Being that I have no actual play time or experience with the new start up OnLive, I can really only voice my opinions and thoughts on what I heard and read about the GDC meeting. For those of you that don't know, OnLive is a new company that is setting out to revolutionize the way we play and access games.

Now before anyone goes all crazy about the big 3+1 having a stranglehold on the gaming market, I'd like to point out that OnLive offers one thing that the others really can't, no hardware restrictions for users. The thing that makes OnLive so odd is that they are actually streaming a game to you, much like a giant video. The answer to your question is some unnamed new compression techniques 7 years in the making. This new compression and decompression makes a 100ms lag time a thing of the pass in favor of, get this, 1ms. To be honest, I don't believe that number unless you are running Gigabit LAN and are plugged directly into their data centers. Reason? ping Google. I got an average of 76ms. Google has pretty much the most impressive set of data power on the planet and I pay for fast internet, 10 down 2 up, and I still got 76ms. Is that anything to be ashamed of? No, not really. Would I really notice a 76ms lag, again, no not really. However, in a ping I'm sending what, 32bytes of data, a streaming 720p video is much larger...much. So I have my skepticism about their lag times.

They (OnLive) do offer a new array of tricks though that I can say haven't been offered [read:feasible] before. Such as viewing your friends playing live. It is like spectating, except you can do it for any game, any time. Since you are technically just watching a video, you are only limited by OnLive's servers, which are supposed to be spectacular. Also, this means you aren't limited to a platform. They have a little adapter that uses HDMI to go to you TV, and of course OnLive works on your PC or MAC via a download. They said plugin for your browser, but I'm not sure I want to be playing a game within Firefox or Chrome, just doesn't seem natural. This means that once you buy the little box thing for you tv, you can install the plugin for your PC and pick up right where you left off. Pretty nifty. Imagine, if you will, playing Crysis on a netbook 8.9inch screen. lol

They have put a lot of thinking into this whole 'your just watching a video'. Meaning you can watch the best players play the game before you buy it, or watch real matches any time, in realtime. You can also rent games from them for a fee. The video showed them renting for 5 days, no word on cost. You can of course purchase the game forever, assuming you want the game, and again no word on cost. They have said that the OnLive is a pay-for subscription, meaning you have to pay $xx a month to just run OnLive, then if you want to play anything but a demo, you'll need to pony up again.

I know enough about math and computers to know that I don't know much, so when I was left curious about this new compression and decompression (compression is harder than decompression) that was 'unknown'. I am quite displeased by the lack of evidence of this algorithm. Also, I'm not sure how the servers would handle multiplayer from the same tv box... it was never addressed. Multiplayer worked across platforms, which is nice, and even has a 15 second record button. Whatever though, you never know your going to do something epic until you've already done it.

A friend of mine brought up the fact that if this really takes off, the big 3 would be sure to show their displeasure. How would they react? I don't know for sure, but I can't imagine they would take it lying down. (Note: Big 3+1 is Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, PC. Since OnLive runs on servers, you could say that they are running on PC SDKs.)

They are holding betas, sign up if you want.
For more info, or to sign up for the beta, go to their site: OnLive.com

Flickr Update: Game & Watch Collection, James Franco Q&A

I know, it's been quite some time since I got the Club Nintendo exclusive Game & Watch Collection, and much like we did with Zach's hanafuda cards, I intended to get photos of the game onto our Flickr account. But then, as you may have remembered, my camera died.

But that's all settled now that I got my new Sony DSC-T77, which has 10.1 megapixel resolution, 5 more than my old one, as well as full touch screen controls. It's taken some getting used to, but I'm liking the the quality of the pictures it takes, so I suppose that's what matters. Here's your pack shots:

Anyone else get this collection? What did you think? Worth all 800 of those Coins?

Also, added a collage of photos taken with my crappy cellphone from the James Franco Q&A.

Death Cab For Cutie, the App

Mark this one under new, but alternative band, Death Cab For Cutie now have their very own, official, iPhone/iPod touch application. I know movies, such as The Dark Knight, Watchmen, and Disney's BOLT, each have their own promotional apps, but this is the first time I've seen a band with their own.

What does the app give you? Well, according to the band's official MySpace blog:

"This application is free and features 10 full DCfC songs, the latest news, videos, tour dates and more. A few of the most unique features of this application are in the SHOWS section where the tour dates are sortable by distance from your current location and by date, there are driving directions from your current location to the concert as well as the latest concert details and ticket information."

Sounds pretty cool, and after downloading the app myself I can say it is quite neat. The ten songs are from various albums and EPs, offering a nice mix of the band's tracks; and even better, after you've selected the track you can listen to it while you browse the app's menus. One gripe however, is that unlike regular music on an iPod, once the screen goes to sleep, so does the music, but I guess that's what you have to deal with when it's free. Also on the app is a full discography, with lyrics and credits for every release by the band, helpful for those who don't want to carry the CD cases with an iPod. The only issue is that most of the other features in the app need WiFi (or a 3G signal), so without that, it doesn't have much use other than being a digital lyric book and song sampler.

Still, it's a neat idea that I'm sure other bands will employ in the future.

You can get the Death Cab For Cutie app for free from iTunes

Goodbye, Sony DSC-T1

PPG_05,
originally uploaded by VFH.

There it is, the last photo taken on my Sony DSC-T1 digital camera. For those unaware, the DSC-T1 was Sony's first ultra-thin compact camera, a.k.a. Cybershot, released in 2004. I got it back when it first released, so it's lasted decently long for new technology. Basically what happened is the charge-coupled device (CCD) died. The CCD is what enables the camera to see, so without that, there's no photo, just a black screen. In recent weeks I had been getting odd scan lines on my screen, but then today it went black. I can see the menus and previous photos fine however, so I know it's not the screen's fault.

Well, at least it lasted me four years, right? Technology...

Note, this is my first post directly from Flickr. Just trying out the feature.

New Macbooks and more

Like last month's iPod event, Apple held a conference today to display and discuss their new line of Macbooks and Macbook Pros. Also, it could be seen as away for those of us who bought Macbooks and iPods in the summer to feel like crap, who knows.

First off was the newly redesigned Macbook Pro, which finally recieved a major exterior upgrade, ditching the Powerbook G4 design it has retained since 2003. This new design features a 39% larger, glass trackpad, which also doubles as a button. This new trackpad will also feature 4-point touch gestures, a step up from the previous 3-points of the current Macbook Pros. It features black keys like the Macbook Air, and all of the connection points appear on the left side, while the disc slot is now on the right. As for these ports, you'll get: Magsafe, Gigabit Ethernet, Firewire 800, two USB ports, a Mini Display Port, Audio In/Out, and ExpressCard 34. This means there is no more FireWire 400 support, and no more regular DVI port, not a huge loss, but a loss none the less.

The screen is LED, and encased in glass; so to those, like myself, that enjoy the matte-screen, tough luck (sigh). Also, these new Macbook Pros will feature TWO graphics cards, one NVIDIA GeForce 9400M for most of the time, and one NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT for when you really need it. There are two models available as of today, the entry model at $1999, and a more powerful one at $2499; both are 15.4" screens. The 17" is still available, however it's essentially the previous design (at $2,799) but actually is less powerful than the new 15" higher model. For more info see Apple - Macbook Pro

Next up is the new Macbook Air, since the model is still new, there isn't anything major like the Pro. However, the Airs will now have a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics card, a mini-DVI port, and a 120GB hard drive (a step up from the current 80GB). However, unlike the Pros, these won't be available until early November. For more info see Apple - Macbook Air

The next product is not a Macbook, its a new 24" Apple moniter. It resembles the current iMac, and new Macbook Pros with is glass screen and black trimmings. But it's has a pleathora of features to boot that the current Apple displays dont have: 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, a built-in iSight and mic, stereo speakers and a three port USB hub. And it connects to both the Pro and Air via their new mini-DVI ports. For more info see Apple - LED Cinema Display

Lastly is the biggest announcement, the all new Macbook. It has the same design as the new Pro, but obviously things are scaled down. Same glass LED screen (13.3"), same metal casing, same multi-touch track pad, mini-DVI port, 160GB Hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics. So now those without a need to go Pro still get a feel of power. And for those that dont care, the white plastic Macbook will still be available for a new entry price of $999, though will obviously not have all the features of the new model. The first of the new models will be $1299, with a more power, 250GB, back-lit keyboard model at $1599. For more info see Apple - Macbook

At the end of the conference there was some Q&A. Things lke the 17" Pro are said to be in the works, and the status of Blu-Ray and HDMI came out, and were shot down. Sadly they also shot down matte screens, saying that the LED backlighting would make up for reflection on the glass.

And that pretty much does it, make sure you check out the provided links for each product to really get to know what's new. Personally, I won't be interested in these new models because I just got a Macbook Pro in the summer, and it's the best computer I've ever had. For practicality's sake, there's just no need for me to upgrade for another few years. And I'm sure by then there will be another redesign or two.

Windows 7 is official

Still trying to get used to Vista? Still don't have Vista cause you enjoy XP so much? Still have Windows 2000 or lower? Well, if you answered "yes" to that last one, shame on you. For the rest of you, Microsoft has announced that its latest operating system, Windows 7, which had be percieved as a codename until now, will be revealed shortly.

Why such a simple name, well according to Microsoft,

"The decision to use the name Windows 7 is about simplicity. Over the years, we have taken different approaches to naming Windows. We've used version numbers like Windows 3.11, or dates like Windows 98, or "aspirational" monikers like Windows XP or Windows Vista. And since we do not ship new versions of Windows every year, using a date did not make sense. Likewise, coming up with an all-new "aspirational" name does not do justice to what we are trying to achieve,"

Makes sense to me, at the same time it reminds me of Nintendo DS. Because Nintendo had announced "DS" as a codename, but in the end it just worked so much better than say, "Nitro". However, I don't use Windows anymore, and in fact, I have never used Vista, so I can't personally comment on the quality of the operating system. However, for Microsoft's sake, I hope Windows 7 can fix everything that people have disliked about Vista. Only time will tell.

Full announcement at Windows Vista Team Blog

Poll #7 Results

After the abysmal turnout for the previous poll, we decided to take a different direction in the poll. Because you, the readers, didn't tell us what content you wanted last time, we're going to try and figure out what you want. And luckily, this time, there was turnout! Anyways, let's see the results:

What is your operating system?

Windows Me or older - 0%
Windows XP - 33%
Windows Vista - 26%
Mac OS X - 40%
Mac OS 9 or older - 0%
Linux - 0%
Other - 0%

The results are about what I assumed they would be, though I didn't expect OS X to top Windows XP. At least I can see that nothing we cover has to cater to the Linux or Unix crowd, and I know that we don't have the make the site available to people with decade old operating systems. Still nice to see there's an almost even balance of Mac and PC users, however, if you combine both XP and Vista, Windows has 59% where Mac still has 40%.

Latest poll is up!

iTunes 8 Impressions

So, as reported before, I went and downloaded iTunes 8. Right off the bat you'll be introduced to the new Grid view. The view is essentially the same view that Movies and TV Shows were displayed in iTunes 7. But if you're not a fan of that, no worries, because like before, you can change between the List and Cover Flow views. With Grid view, you have some options. You can view your Library by albums, which shows cases the Albums in order of artist and display the artwork. There's the Artist tab, which will feature the boxart of the first album listed for each artist.

The next tab, Genre, is different in that the image it uses to display each catagory is represented by a generic image pertaining to that Genre; if a genre is without an image, it displays the first available album art. Scrolling across each of these genre tabs will display the art of album in that genre, allowing you to see albums from that category as well. This Genre tab is also available in the Grid views for TV Shows, Movies, and Podcasts. After selecting an album, you can press it to play instant, or double click it to view all tracks in a list/art combo view, similar to what was available in iTunes 7.

The next feature is Genius. Now you may remember in the iTunes Store there was an option called "Just For You" which would show titles based upon what you had purchased. You may also remember that the feature always had BETA by it; there's a reason, because it's Genius now. Just For You is no longer in the iTunes Store in favor of this new system. To set it up, select Genius from your Playlists and it'll get to work. Now when you select a track, you can hit the Genius button on the bottom bar and a Playlist will form of similar tracks. I'd say the feature works quite well because I've discovered similarly toned songs without ever thinking to relate them. Also available is the Genius sidebar, which can be shown or hidden with the click of a button. What this does is, by highlighting a track, it'll display similar songs that are available in the iTunes Store, and you can preview the track right there without having to access the iTunes Store.

However, there are going to be those who would rather not bother with this system, and that's fine. You need to set up Genius, so if you never set it up, you never have to deal with it, it's that simple. However if you do set it up, but would rather not use it, you can choose t hide the side bar and simply ignore the option in the Playlists. And if you don't like the Grid view, and feel more comfortable using the List or Cover flow views, then by all means do so.

All in all, I think these new features are quite welcome to iTunes and just music listeners. The Genius tool does make you think about your Library, especially when you see similarities in tracks you would have never associated together. My only gripe about Genius is that it only works with tracks available in the iTunes Store, so if you want to find something similar to the "Kid Icarus theme" of off Super Smash Bros. Brawl, you're out of luck. And honestly, being selective like that sucks. But, chances are, if you're getting a new iPod, you're ging to have to get this new iTunes eventually, so you might as well deal with it.

Also, I almost forgot, but there's that new Visualizer. Me forgetting basically shows how much of a deal it is. And apperently iTunes had a visualizer in previous versions, but i guess this just goes to show its use. The graphics are nice I suppose, but it's a completely useless feature.

New iPods and iTunes 8

Apple held a conference today, and with it came the announcement of brand new iPod models and colors, as well as a new iTunes.

The biggest announcement of the event, and obviously most evolved product is the new iPod nano.

Returning to the tall shape the nano was meant to be, the iPod now features a rounded shape, as well as a longer screen. With this longer screen, you now have the same view that iPod Touches and iPhones enjoy. That also includes the accelorometer, for turn-style widescreen viewing as well as other nifty features. For instance, to shuffle to a random song, just give the iPod a shake, and there you go. As you can see, it's available in a whopping 9 different colors, so now you can't complain. And in another crazy twist, all colors are available in both the 8GB and 16GB models. For full info, specs, and a video tour check Apple.com - iPod nano.

Next up in the new design division is the redesigned iPod touch. Although not a major overhaul like the nano, the touch takes a design cue from the recently released iPhone 3G and has a rounded back, thought it's still relatively thinner than the iPhone because it lacks the phone aspect. And unlike the 3G, there are no color options for the touch, just the standard chrome backing. However, like the iPhone, the touch now features a built in speaker for listen without headphones. There's also a longer battery life, and a new interface for Nike + iPod for you joggers. For full info, and specs, check Apple.com - iPod touch.

The iPod classic doesn't get a fancy sleek design like its brethren, but it still get's tech on. The only major addition to the classic's firmware is the new Genius function that's available across all the new iPod models and iTunes, of which I'll explain afterwards. But Apple's big push with this model is that it "one size fits all" in that there's just one 120GB model, for $249, you just have to choose the color. That makes it the largest iPod available, storage wise; the previous 160GB model is no more. You'll just have to ask yourself if you want more data, or more functionality when it comes to purchase time. For more info, see Apple.com - iPod classic.

This last model is the poor iPod shuffle, who doesn't get much to say. The only difference between these models, and the previous ones, is color. Dropping the dull tone of the last-gen iPods, these new shuffles select a couple colors from the nano's new set. For more see Apple.com - iPod shuffle.

Last, but not least is iTunes 8. This new iTunes boasts the new Genius tool, which is also on all the iPod models, minus the shuffle. What Genius does is, by selecting a song, and then the tool, it will create a playlist of similar tracks based on genre, beats per minute, and other data. With the new Genius sidebar, you can also find similar tracks from the iTunes Store, instead of just your Library. Another feature of this new iTunes is the Grid view, which like Cover Flow, displays all of your albums by there art. This option lets you click an album and instantly play it. The last new feature is the Visualizer, a pretty standard option in most music players, so I'm surprised it has taken this long to hit iTunes. To learn more, and download iTunes 8, click here.

All these iPod models are available now at Apple.com, as well as Apple Stores around the world, and soon at local retailers. For the new iTunes 8, click here.

Personally, I think the new nano is the neatest of the bunch, only because it's so drastically different. I also think that the musical interface of the touch, with the functionality of a classic iPod makes for a great transition between models. But I still have my last-gen iPod touch and 2nd generation nano, and I'm not complaining. However, I'm going to get the new iTunes and I'll be back with impressions later.

Truly in HD + Orange Box impressions

Yes indeed, as reported before, I now have and HD TV, but until today I wasn't getting true HD gaming. But my package from Amazon arrived today! Component cables for the Wii, and the HDMI/USB 2 pack for the Playstation 3. And I purchased The Orange Box for the PS3, and test it out too.

I will first state the obvious that the Component cables dont really imrove that much. But, there was a notable difference in clarity on the menus, and on my VC titles; with more vibrant colors all around. The only disc based game I tried was Brawl, and deflicker on or off, the menus just look strange. However gameplay looks quite nice with the extra space and size.

Now, the Playstation 3 however.. whoa! I'll have you remember I made the jump from standard AV cables to HDMI, there was no component step or anything. So think 480i converting directly into 1080i, its quite the jump. So no, my TV is not capable of 1080p, but 1080i is more than enough from what I was used too. Right off the bat, the XMB is just as sharp as can be, and the PS Store and Browser are crystal clear. The jump from 480i Portal, to 720p Portal wasn't that drastic, but the clearner edges, and smoother color transitions were much welcome. I happen to really enjoy Portal so far. The only other part of The Box I played was Team Fortress 2; all I can say is I love the style, but I'm not too keen on the gamplay. Gonna play Half Life 2 later, I'd like to beat it before I step into the Episodes.

Still don't have an HD cable box... but I do get the 8 or so local stations in HD. The TV's wierd, i get like decimal stations. For instance, 4 is plain NBC, 4.1 is NBCHD, and 4.2 is NBC Weather Plus... who made it alright to have decimal stations?

Now in HD

So, I've finally completed my entry into the 21st century by getting an HD TV today. A 26" Sony Bravia, it's quite nice, and with its glossy black trim it matches well with my PS3. Anyways, after setting up, I hooked up my Wii and PS3 to the TV, though currently both are connected with standard composite cables. So I'm not getting a real HD experience quite yet, but it's nice to finally get to play my games in the 16:9 ratio they were meant for. I plan to get an HDMI cable for the PS3 and component cables for the Wii as soon as I can. I'll tell how good it is later.

Classic VFH redone + Tech thoughts

The classic version of VFH has some new images made by JDW. Updates the look.

Since I don't really keep as much tabs on video games as you guys, I'll post on something I do know: computers.

If any of you are into building your own computers you may be keeping tabs on the GPU war. (Don't think one is going on? Try harder.) Nvidia recently released their new flagship the GTX 280. Although it is iffy as to whether or not in its current driver stage if it can beat out the 9800 GTX+... only time will tell. ATi/AMD didn't take it sitting down and has released its own Radeon HD 4850 to take the thunder away. Personally I own Nvidia cards, but after this giant debacle over Vista drivers I am going to give AMD a chance the next computer I build. Still going intel though... don't judge.

iPhone 3G is go!

The conference may have finished, and Apple's website is already relaunched with all interesting facts on the new iPhone. You can check it out here. Once there be sure to look at the Features page for all the new things you'll be able to find on it. Also make sure you you look at the App Store page for footage of Super Monkey Ball in action with motion controls to boot! (it's a short vid, small, and no sound, but you'll get a good idea of how it looks and works)

All this new stuff seems quite interesting, especially the Apps (and more so the gaming) aspect of the iPhone and eventually the iPod Touch. Though I don't truly think its gaming market could over take DS or even the PSP, I'd be very curious to see how serious both Apple and 3rd parties get about iPhone gaming. Considering the Mac gaming community hasn't moved since 1995 I don't think there's much to worry about, but maybe this is finally the right step ahead.

Pivot Animator

While surfing the web I found this neat little toy called Pivot.



This program allows you to manipulate stick figures of all types, even those you create yourself, to form an animation. It's quite easy and very fun, give it a try if you have a free afternoon.

via SnapFiles

Amazing ImageTechnology

This is a video showing off a program called Seadragon. The technology is truly amazing, and while it is a fairly old video I thought I would put it out there for you to see in case you missed it. Make sure to watch it all!



I can't wait until this becomes mainstream.