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.

The Answer to Your Questions.

#StayTunedForGreatness

Only 90s Gamers Would Understand lol.

I saw this post and immediately grinned having experienced these events firsthand. These were the 2nd iteration of the video game golden ages.  Enjoy :D

http://www.gamesradar.com/problems-only-90s-gamer-could-understand/?utm_source=zergnet.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zergnet_155986

"Where Is The iPhone Going?"

     Introduced January 9^th and released June 29^th 2007, the iPhone has captivated the technological aspirations of almost every man, woman, and child in some capacity. It has had a cultural impact that has reached various points of the world that otherwise would have little to no concern with the smartphone market.  A once open race for the taking, the smartphone market saw spurts of dominance in the form of the Motorola Razor and T-mobile Sidekick.  However, no phone has held as much dominance and illustriousness in the market as the iPhone.

     Apple’s last iteration of the iPhone-the iPhone 5S was-was not as warmly received as past iterations as it lack monumental features as upgrades.  Sure a faster processor and (somewhat) larger screen are decent upgrades, but this left many of the once clamoring iPhone fanatics with a lukewarm feeling of anticipation.  There were fewer-if any-stories of people huddled outside for days upon the iPhones release. (During the release week I was an employee for a marketing company doing promotion in a very popular electronics store and I can attest to there being very little fanfare about the device.) This begs the question: “Where is the iPhone going?”

     Devices like the Samsung Galaxy S5, the HTC One, Motorola’s Moto X are all making a strong attempt to capture Apple’s market share by offering larger screens (all measure in at about five inches and above), a more adaptable OS (Android is not nearly as stringent an operating system as iOS), expandable storage (Apple refuses to include expandable storage); overall these companies are giving strong indicators of what Apple won’t produce: a powerful smartphone. Granted, the iPhone is an excellent phone, however since the introduction of the “S” line of iPhones, we’ve seen a bit of a decline in regards to what to expect from Apple.  Whereas the first four iterations of the iPhone built upon the previous version by quantum leaps, the 4S began the trend of installing minimal upgrades to the phone; not enough to warrant a purchase if you had the previous generation by most standards.  Although the 4S did not have a host of major upgrades it was well received.  The same cannot be said for the iPhone 5; it is clear that the one-trick pony of minimal upgrades does not bode well with Apple’s consumer base as evidenced by the severe decline in their once highly praised stock. 

     With 4.7 and 5.5-inch screens and a bevy of other much-needed upgrades, one can only hope that Apple’s rumored “iPhone 6” models will be just the spark that the company needs to revitalize the once dominant product and feared competitor.

The Reflection In The Mirror

Right now I am in the midst of applying to grad school. 99% of the schools I want to attend wouldn't take a second look at me due to some issues I experienced during my academia. Nevertheless, I applied to a particular school and sent the personal statement listed below. 

Nothing excessive, nothing flashy-just truth-and a love for my craft.

Dear Admissions Committee:

My friends are convinced that I am a “hacker” because I know how to navigate the Command Prompt on Windows computers.  Conversely, I am anything but.  The illusion of an über-chic, cyberpunk-clad, Mountain Dew ravaging young male asserting his dominance by weaving effortlessly through “Matrix-like” monitors fueled the connotations that powered their assertions.  (It didn’t help that my screens possessed a black background with a cascading green font however.)  If anything, I “hack” to master as much as possible about internet security so that I can attempt to quell my mother’s fear of purchasing the latest upgrade for Candy Crush Saga for her smartphone from an application store. 

My name is Sammie L. Johnson, Jr. and I would sincerely appreciate an opportunity to learn from your university.

Raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey I was surrounded by what, to the outside world, seemed to be a consistent resort paradise-this was not the case.   Although my city is famous for casinos, the Miss America Pageant, great food, boardwalks, and salt water taffy, it lacked major diversity when it came to job security.  As a young Black male you had three options: become a professional athlete, get a record deal, or profit from illegal drug transactions.  The first two options were feasible-not realistic. As for the last option-let’s just say I know individuals who served as an example of “success” (of lack thereof) from that life; it wasn’t for me. I knew I wanted to live a life where I could help others, but I could make a great living as well.

College seemed like it was the best option; not because I necessarily wanted to go, but because I could pretend that the evils that I had been subjected to in my 18 years of life didn’t exist…at least for four years. I was wrong.  I quickly discovered that I had not escaped from the evils; instead, I encountered them head-on covered only by cloak composed of my faith in God and an impending degree.  My matriculation was anything but pleasant as my guarded cloak was slowly degraded thread by thread at each instance of life’s rips, pulls, and tugs: failed classes, unemployment, eviction, and hunger.  However, although my journey was elongated, and my garment no longer luxurious, I proudly wore my severed cloak across the finish line-I graduated.

Throughout my life I have always been fascinated with electronics, particularly with computers and system workings. However, it was not until I became a victim of identity theft that I realized no matter how much I can compile data, build a system, or maintain a server there must always be someone who knows how to protect a system and its data. I aspire to be that person.

I am firmly convicted that NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering will bestow upon me the tools to become not only a CIO of a technological organization, but a world-wide authority in the field of Cybersecurity.  My perseverance is rooted in the fact that there are people who have suffered from the same level of anger, confusion, and disarray that I endured.

I strive to prevent that-and I will.

Thank you.

Consoles: The Final Hurrah?

Tangible. It is defined as: 1.) capable of being touched; discernible by the touch; material or substantial; 2.) real or actual, rather than imaginary or visionary; 3.) definite; not vague or elusive; or 4.) (of an asset) having actual physical existence, as real estate or chattels, and therefore capable of being assigned a value in monetary terms.  When something does not have tangibility, at some point we doubt and question everything about it.  From its authenticity, to its abilities, to the feeling of our own legitimate possession; without tangibility, your mind becomes clouded with doubt.  If you own something-you own it. It is yours. This further increases when your possession has tangible qualities; you can hold it, transport it, display it-and in most instances-visibly enhance it.  There is no doubt to be had.

With this 8^th console generation just a few months away there has been an “elephant in the room” of sorts amongst gamers, analysts, and even investors alike: with consoles being pushed to limits we have never seen before; with so much processing power being emitted from (tangible) boxes, will this be the last console generation?  Any gamer will tell you that such a reality is one that they could never even imagine.  Any conscious gamer will tell you that it’s one that they’d never like to witness, but with the way the industry has changed its focus from providing an excellent gaming experience, to nickel and diming consumers, it’s a reality that may inevitable.  Why?  Although the number of American gamers has risen from 205.9 million in 2012 to 209.9 million in 2013, these gamers are not flocking to consoles.  Instead they are embracing mobile and free-to-play platforms; and these numbers continue to grow.  Factor that the average household has 3-5 screens to occupy their attention: TV, mobile device, computer, tablet.  Because of such division, where does a console fit in as a major time-consumer? Aside from your moderate/hardcore gamer, a console does not occupy much time for your casual gamer.  Furthermore, because this reverse correlation of casual to hardcore gamers continues to trend, console makers claim to see the bigger picture and have implemented more content on a downloadable platform; (this is seen by some as preparation to console-less gaming.)  Looking at a recent study by IDC and App Annie, consumer spending on mobile games has grown to three times that of gaming devices like Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita; an easy indicator as to why console makers have made it easier to collaborate tablets as second screen options.

Will consoles be present 8-9 years from now when we reach the 9^th console generation? No one can be quite sure. Personally, I think a console-less world of gaming would void the gaming experience.  The possession of a console partnered with amassing a collection of games is a rite of passage of sorts; it is the recovering of Samus Aran’s powers, the attaining of Mega Man X’s abilities, it is the maturation of Link becoming undoubtedly focused to battle Ganondorf.

Otherwise, without consoles, we’ll be stuck in a world where we continuously press “B” when Pikachu reaches a certain phase in life-failing to evolve. (Not that’d we’d let Pikachu evolve anyway.)

:D

The End of an Era: Hardcore Gaming

When I was 5 years old, my mother bought my Nintendo Game Boy with assortment of 10-11 games in addition to the already included, instant classic Tetris. My mind was immediately put into overdrive.  Here I had, (what I at the time), thought was the most advance portable gaming system on the planet.  I didn't have to share with friends. I didn't have to share with any siblings. (My only sibling was almost 18 years older than me with one child at the time.) I didn't have to worry about being made fun of because I didn't have a system; I had a system and it was one to call my own.  It was from that moment on that my love, my passion, my absolute sincerely appreciation of video games began.

Fast forward some years later-1996 to be exact-I still cherished my Game Boy and all of its bland stock gray color and bulkiness accentuated by the necessity of four AA batteries required to play even for a fraction.  It accompanied me on every road trip, on every errand that Mom or Dad had to run, even when I was sure I wasn't going to play it was there; along with the economy size of AA batteries to make sure I never missed an instant of Super Mario World or Donkey Kong.  However, by this time, I had delineated my time to other, more advanced systems: Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, PlayStation. Afterwards, PlayStation 2 Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, then PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii.  With each passing console generation I felt my bond with the gaming community strengthened to a point where the integrity of the games/consoles meant more than just being content with a graphical update.

 
Such is the dilemma that many will face with this upcoming 8th console generation.  As technology progresses, so does our use for it.  That being said, where a console's original purpose was to play video game software, it is now expected to do the aforementioned along with playing various forms of optical media (CDs/DVDs/Blu-Ray), connect to multiple cable outlets, and have a constant, reliable connection to the internet.   Sony and Microsoft both acknowledged that they have new consoles in production due this coming holiday season. And while both succeeded in amassing enormous amounts of attention (namely via social media sites like Twitter) towards their new systems, they both failed to capitalize on the needs of the audience that helped propel them to gaming greatness: hardcore gamers.

This genre of gamer has one requirement: absolutely excellent quality of the games they play.  They are the group who will stand in line for a midnight release of "Call of Duty" and run through a good portion of a 24-pack of Mountain Dew during that feverish first night of learning spawns points.  They are the select few who will complete a game only to complete it again to uncover any glitches or points where improvements could have been made.  They are the group who does not care for any mass produced novelty gaming accessory (i.e. Wii tennis racket), but rather crave innovation in the purest of forms; they desire a gaming world an immense as The Elder Scrolls or any Grand Theft Auto series and with a story as compelling as Miyamoto's The Legend of Zelda or Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series.

At the time of this writing, Sony has yet to even display their latest console, but has given much detail as to what it can do.  Conversely, Microsoft has shown the Xbox One to the world, but it has been met with severe backlash, ridicule, and overall disappointment from industry analysts and hardcore and casual gamers alike.  From the generic (backdated) naming of the system, lack of emphasis on gaming, "banning" of used games, to the sneaky "implementation" of always-on DRM, the Xbox One has failed to create a direct path to the pockets of gamers everywhere as they so illustriously did with 2005's Xbox 360  release. 

To be fair, I will give Microsoft credit; they are slowly trying to establish a form of horizontal integration that spans beyond their current gaming ecosystem. Taking a page from Nintendo's book, by targeting a specific genre of gamer-the casual gamer-Microsoft decided that it will go one step further by not only capitalizing on that type of gamer but also people who rarely play games at all. This was a fatal error. Look at past Microsoft products (i.e. Surface), it’s easy to see that the marketing department in Redmond continues to jump the gun.  Like the Surface wavering over whether it wanted to be a tablet or a minimized laptop-(that dared using Windows 8 at that; which is still very unsure of its own true identity)-the Xbox One alienated hardcore gamers by destroying their outlet to legitimate gaming by focusing on multimedia and trying to be the center of your entertainment domain. 

While noble in gesture, this may prove catastrophic to the Xbox name.  Even if Microsoft's latest console does sell moderately well, the resentment that the gaming community will harbor towards them will linger for generations to come. Don't believe me?  Ask those Blackberry executives how business is doing.