Really Apple, this is the iPhone 7?

Dining out is something that we all have done. Even in the health-conscious world that we live in, we occasionally find ourselves grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant of some variety after deliberation as to what type of food we desire. After settling on a genre food, a restaurant-and lastly-our particular dish of choice-we order. As the minutes pass in anxious anticipation, we begin to salivate due to the aromas of other finished meals-especially replicas of our own meal-eagerly awaiting the moment until we can feast on our own delectable platter. And then, when that moment arrives, we are left with an abyss of disappointment when we discover that our meal was not prepared as we ordered.

The iPhone 7 is said meal.

Laced with a niche of decent features, the iPhone 7 is indeed a great phone considering the fiercely competitive smartphone market that it competes in. Boasting a four-core 64-bit A10 chip utilizing iOS 10, a 1334 x 750 resolution for the 4.7 inch iPhone 7 and a 1920 x 1080 resolution for the 5.5 inch iPhone 7 Plus, an improved battery life giving two additional hours for the iPhone 7 and one additional hour for the iPhone 7 Plus respectively, and supposedly 2GB and 3GB of RAM for each phone, both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are noticeable upgrades over their previous models.

However, it still leaves much to be desired…

The most controversial change with this year’s iPhone models is the removal of the headphone jack.  (Yes, the 3.5mm headphone jack that has become a global standard for more years than we’d like to admit.) Instead, Apple has forced users to use their “Airpods”; this new way to listen to your music comes with a host of other problems as well. Apple claims that this move was done to make room for the larger battery, the haptic home button, and to provide for a slimmer body.

That being said, let’s get right to the point: Apple has lost its innovation.

Instead of obliging to what their consumers have been feverishly asking for (wireless charging, removable batteries, a more durable charger, etc.), Apple has instead chosen to focus on areas that they feel will be more beneficial, rather than the public outcry of other, more logical, improvements. This is not a piece determined to belittle Apple, nor their flagship device, however, what can’t be avoided is the continual disregard for giving their customers what they desire.

With the addition of the Airpods, Apple has become even more of a niche product due to their $159 price tag. Let’s back up for a second: Apple has removed a 100-year technology because it was “old”, “took up space” and was “holding them back”, or as Phil Schiller so eloquently stated, they did so because they were the only company that was “courageous” to make such a bold decision. The old adage of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t seem to apply to the folks at Cupertino one bit. Additionally, there have been upticks from tech conspiracy theorists proclaiming that the removal of the headphone jack as the justification for the addition of the new features is nothing more than excuse for Apple to siphon more money from their consumer base as their once thriving and assured stock has failed to meet investor expectations as it continues on its rollercoaster ride. (In short, we won’t be seeing any 7-way stock splits any time soon.)

Should I upgrade?

That depends. It really does. If you’re still with an iPhone 5 iteration of before, I’d say yes if you can part with the headphone jack and don’t mind the risk of losing the Airpods-then sure-go for it. Otherwise, if you have a newer iPhone, I would caution you to wait as Apple is supposedly prepping for their 10^th anniversary iPhone next.

Personally, I have an iPhone 6 Plus, although my battery isn’t as great as I’d like it to be, and even though the aesthetics of the phone are alluring, as a tech enthusiast I simply do not see the value of upgrading to the iPhone 7 at any time soon, if ever at all.

This is one meal that I’m sure all wish was a bit more enjoyable, or, rather-palatable.

How to Safely Remove a USB Drive.

During the fall 2010 semester, I was taking a business law course that required a plethora of information to be maintained for case law research.  I always carried my computer on me as I was an Information Systems major, however, in the event that I didn’t have my laptop on me I needed a viable second option for storage for my law research.  Also during this time, I worked at an electronics store, so I picked up a USB flash drive from a company that sounded like Pixar.

Long story short, I went to recover some files from that drive for a midterm…and they weren’t there.

Complete panic ensued.

What may seem as a trivial matter to some, but is oftentimes overlooked, is how to safely eject a USB drive from a computer.

Recently, I had a friend ask for my assistance in the matter as she knows that 1.) I am well versed in the area of technology, and (I'm cautiously assuming), 2.) That she trusts my judgment. The issue at hand was that her USB flash drive was not being recognized when she inserted it into her computer.  As I stated to her, there could be a few things that caused the error, however, what more than likely occurred was that the IRQ (Interrupt Request) ports were not functioning.  If this was the case, then a trip to the Device Manager could possibly remedy the issue-but I digress.

To prevent the issue at hand, it is best to safely eject your USB from computer. To do this:

1.) In the bottom right-hand corner of your screen there is an upward-facing arrow. Click that. Afterwards, you will see a sub-menu of icons; right-click the one that looks like a USB drive.

 

2.) Once you right-click that icon you will see “Eject USB Mass Storage Device”-click that.

3.) You will then see a confirmation from Windows that your USB is safe to eject from your computer.

If by some chance you get an error stating that the device cannot be ejected, try closing out whatever programs are open via that device then repeat the steps listed above.

The Top 7 Worst Ways Games Insult Your Intelligence

Came across this while doing some research my next post. I'm sure we can all agree to these seven things. :D

http://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-worst-ways-games-insult-your-intelligence/

(Copy and paste the link in your browser.)

Have I Outgrown Video Gaming?

Since the advent of my intellect and the growing comprehension levels that accompanied such a cerebral evolution, I have always looked for a challenge in whatever I do.  When my mother blessed me with a Nintendo Game Boy and a plethora of games during the Christmas season of 1994 I was instantaneously transported to a world-an escape rather-where I could distance myself from all of life’s problems at the time.  This was my way of coping with being teased at school, navigating a day amongst bullies, making sure my Power Rangers lunchbox didn’t become stolen. 

As I grew throughout life, gaming was always a core component: a few levels of Sonic Adventure before my first middle school dance, a session of wishful thinking during NBA Street a mere hours before a basketball tournament final, a replaying of Ocarina of time while lost amongst the confusion and angst of a bipolar high school teenager, the realization of adult leadership and responsibility while battling Covenant forces as Master Chief.  Gaming has been by side.  It has never left; it has been a support a system that needs no introduction, yet will never truly commence with a final act.  However, as I approach the latter half of my twenties and slowly witness a period of post-adolescence progressively decreasing in visibility-and more importantly-tangibility; stuck a purgatory of adulthood between 18 & up parties and brunch with female interests whom I encountered at day party networking events. Simultaneously facing the “attempting-to-collect-retroactive-child-support” antics of Sallie Mae along with the ascension of deeper responsibilities of manhood and the inevitable “milestone” of “thirty”, I’m left with a question manifesting an insatiable appetite for an answer:

“Have I outgrown video gaming?”

Responsibilities.  They are what accompany you once you’ve fully left the realm that is young adulthood. This can be described as managing to move out of your parents’ home and secure a place of residence for yourself. In addition, the blitzkrieg of bills that just magically appear and the realization that you do in fact need more hours in a day are all clear signs that you have transitioned from Tuesday night 2-for-1 rail drinks and more towards Saturday morning brunch networking events.  From these responsibilities, it is also evident that what was once a daily activity almost has to be scheduled for a quality session. 

It’s quite surreal when you think of it actually: while younger, I had all the time in the world to enjoy gaming. Sure, I had responsibilities: take out the trash, clean the kitchen, mow the lawn. However, none of these responsibilities affected my livelihood like the ones that command my attention today. 

Because of such, I often find myself playing a game a few times out of the week…no longer daily.  From this change in frequency, my gaming muscle has atrophied; my timing is off; sensitivity is out of alignment; I've lost many an intangible that makes me stand out from my competition. (In some instances, I have games that are still shrink-wrapped as I just haven’t the time to enjoy, let alone complete them.)  For most, this would instantly confirm the idea that they have outgrown the sport, rather the culture that is video gaming.

Not me.

Rather, I embrace the challenge to find time to game.  Gaming has been integrated into my life from such a young age. As aforementioned, gaming has been an integral part of many milestones of my life.  Although I cannot enjoy the sport as often as I would like, my genuine love for it is not something that can be “outgrown.” Life itself is one video game played on the most real of consoles.

So, to answer the aforementioned question: “No, I have not outgrown video gaming-nor will I ever.”  Gaming is a tradition that withstands the test of time.  It is a lifestyle that matures with each generation. It is the support of the high-resolution variety and the soundtracks of boss battles that prevent the mental collapse of many a troubled soul.  If anything, my lack of time to game is a bonus level that I've yet to discover how to conquer.  As with any level, with enough patience, trial and error, and the right inventory, I’ll be sure to complete it expeditiously.

…I’ll be sure to enjoy myself while doing so, I’m booked with meetings for the rest of the week.

Destiny: An Enjoyable Waste of Time

A random level begins; ammunition for my weapon of choice (leveled up shotgun) is nowhere to be found. Rushing the lush broken forest with five others, I make a sharp turn passing what used to be a functioning staircase; now only a discontinued pile of rubble caressed by wrapped, wilted ivy.  Radar beacon shows incoming hostiles.  Bolting down a narrow corridor with the utmost uncertainty, I engage with-what looks to be-a Titan; a level 26 Titan at that-(more on that later.) As level 24 Warlock, I’m quite confident in my abilities to vanquish this imminent threat.  Full clip sprayed; jump glide-reload. Cover. Vortex grenade released-little effect. Shotgun ammo? A feverish run ensues, energy from the pulse rifle spewing past me; critical damage sustained. Recovery time not available. Two shells loaded. The Titan turns the corner; a puzzling look commences-he looks up. With regal robes having a parasol-like effect, I descend.  “BOOM, BOOM” I deliver the final blow. 

The Titan was dead.

Such is the sequence from what is arguably the most enjoyable mode of the game Destiny: multiplayer. Developed for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and previous generation consoles, Destiny tells the story of The Guardians-the last defenders of humanity and their continued fight to ward off the Fallen.  However, there is just one problem: there isn’t any story that’s being told. 

With a proposed $500 million budget, Destiny was created with high ambitions and even higher expectations, so upon booting Destiny, one would assume that you’d be in store for an immense, detailed story with rich character development and outstanding voice acting.  (I mean, this is Bungie we’re talking about and this is Activision we’re talking about. Yes, those people that created that universe that’s defended by that Master Chief guy-yea, those people.) Wrong. If you’re looking Sony’s response to a comparable Microsoft sci-fi shooter that has beautiful, vast environments, an excellent combat system, and a story that compels you to eagerly await a sequel, you’ll only find the latter two. 

The game begins with some cutscenes of astronauts that I won’t spoil and your Ghost companion.  Soon, you’ll be able to select from three classes: Titan, Hunter, and Warlock; then three races: Human, Exo, or Awoken. Each have their pros and cons, and depending upon what kind of player you are based on your prior FPS (first-person shooter) experience will determined which class resonates best with you. (Let it be noted that race has no impact on character ability.) Although initially a great game, you’ll quickly notice the repetitiveness of the missions, its environments and the misdirection, or lack thereof, or the story’s progress.  Enemies vary in difficulty due to your current level and which level you chose to play the mission on.  Missions are replay-able, however, never at any point does Bungie or Activision expound on the story in any way, give some insight into the background of the Guardians, the Fallen-nothing.

As I stated earlier, the most enjoyable aspect of the game is the multiplayer.  It is eerily similar to that of Halo 3 with Pulse Rifles expelling shots reminiscent of Covenant in hot pursuit.  The formula remains the same: Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag-referred to as “Control”, and a few other variations on what has be developed as a tried and true formula.  Also, once you “max out” at level 20, oftentimes, you’ll find yourself diving right into multiplayer battles with friends instead of attempting the same missions again.

Though initially impressed, I have to admit that I’m disappointed in what was heralded to be an AAA-game of epic proportions is no more than a generic cross-console title that regrettably managed to get $60+ and time from me that I can never get back.

…But like I said, it is an enjoyable waste of time. 

For The Love of the Game.

This is a amazing synopsis of all things great about video games.  Click the link and be prepared to smile from ear to ear.

...I know I did.

http://www.polygon.com/2014/9/2/6096631/video-game-love

Xbox One $399: Is Microsoft Leveling The Playing Field?

Earlier this week, Microsoft made the somewhat shocking, (although analyst predicted), retailer-recommended, and heavily user-demanded announcement that their newest console-the Xbox One-will go on sale without Kinect for $399-the exact same price as its number one competitor-Sony’s PlayStation 4-starting June 9^th.  This announcement comes after 2^nd quarter reports show that Sony is outselling Microsoft at a pace of 4 to 3.  Such a trend is not a great way to start a campaign into the new generation of consoles six months in.  Furthermore, it will no longer be necessary for Xbox One and Xbox 360 to have an Xbox Live subscription to enjoy streaming apps like Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and YouTube.  This same lift of restriction also applies to the Xbox One’s OneGuide, Internet Explorer, and Skype.

Let’s make one thing clear: Microsoft knew that this was a move that was much overdue; a move that was needed to stay competitive in generation of consoles that still lacks the “must-have” titles to sway consumers off of the proverbial fence of reluctance.  Microsoft has essentially alienated loyal consumers by requiring the purchase of Kinect with the system.  What was once a novelty peripheral has since become a mandated piece of equipment for a system still in its infancy, which, furthermore, does not even have a title that fully utilizes the Kinect. 

This is strike two for Microsoft. (See DRM controversy.)

Now that that system is slated to be priced identically to the PS4, the determining factor amongst the two systems will be one thing: software exclusives.  At launch there were few exclusives that demanded a consumers’ purchase. Granted, there was Killzone and Ryse, but these failed to attract the attention that Halo 3 and Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriots did. Sure, there’s Halo 5: Guardians, an untitled Gears of War titled for the Xbox One, and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Kingdom Hearts III, and an upcoming entry to the “Uncharted” series, but these are all at least a year from release. 

These systems lack content now.

Since its release last fall, the PS4 has maintained a full head of steam both entering and exiting the holiday season.  The question remains, however, if that same level of momentum can be maintained now that its key rival has leveled the playing field and are rearranging their armament for an impending war that will divide the gaming community once more.

The Xbox One is coming-but will it be enough?

“Prestiging” has never had so much meaning.