Author: RPadTV

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LIFX: Lightbulb Controlled By Android and iOS Devices

LIFX is a recent Kickstarter project that has been getting a done of buzz and funding. As of this writing, the project has blown past its $100,000 goal with $1,107,996 in pledges. LIFX is an LED lightbulb that can be controlled with Android and iOS devices. Users can control the brightness and the color of the light with their phones and tablets. This is an energy-efficient product with an extremely high level of nerd appeal. Check out the video below for info on LIFX. Continue reading “LIFX: Lightbulb Controlled By Android and iOS Devices”

Verizon’s Bungling of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus Continues

When is a Nexus phone not a Nexus phone? When it’s handled by Verizon. The company’s bungling of Google’s hero phone continues! At the end of August, I expressed my disgust, as a Verizon customer, with the company’s pathetic delays with the Jelly Bean update. As someone that writes about mobile tech, it’s clear that Google made a poor choice by choosing Verizon as the exclusive American launch partner for this phone. Historically, Nexus phones receive the latest Android updates immediately. The GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus has had Jelly Bean since July. Months later, Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus still hasn’t been updated. Here are some of the latest inanities I received from Verizon customer service.

At this time we have not been provided with a release date for Google’s Jelly Bean 4.1 Android version. I understand it has been received on the GSM version, but before releasing any update to our customers, we perform multiple tests. Please know that we’re always working to get software updates released to you as soon as possible.

The last sentence gives me a headache. Working isn’t the word I would use. When Sprint beats you to the punch with software updates and you’re the largest carrier in America then you’re definitely not “working to get software updates released to you as soon as possible.” Either someone isn’t doing their job or the company isn’t interested in providing updates in a timely fashion.

If we could, I would send you the Jelly Bean update now. I know it’s nice to have the latest and greatest. A lot of our phones just received the Ice Cream Sandwich update like our Droid Razrs, because we are working diligently on getting all possible devices updated.

Again, the last sentence gives me a headache. It shows a complete lack of understanding of what the Nexus line is supposed to be. It’s completely irrelevant that RAZR phones have just received the Ice Cream Sandwich update. Nexus phones are supposed to be hero products that show off the capabilities of the latest version of Android. People buy these phones because they’re supposed to be running the latest software and they (mostly) lack the bloatware installed by carriers. The reputation of the Nexus line has been tarnished by Verizon.

I feel mislead by Verizon and Google. The Galaxy Nexus I bought is not a Nexus phone at all. When non-Nexus phones are getting Jelly Bean and the same phone is getting updated by smaller carriers then who’s at fault here? Clearly it’s a Verizon issue and clearly its customer service reps don’t care. While my experience with Verizon’s LTE network has been phenomenal, I’m disappointed with how the company has handled updates for the Galaxy Nexus and annoyed by the way customer service has responded to the issue.

Samsung Galaxy S III Commercial Mocks Apple Fans

First, let me state that I think the Galaxy S III is a great phone and the iPhone 5 is mostly likely a great phone (I’ll tell you after a few weeks with it). That said, these commercials are getting funny. They remind me of political ads. Truths are stretched. People are bashed. Lines are drawn. The comments on this video’s YouTube page are most entertaining. Again, it’s along the lines of a modern political debate. The loudest voices are extreme opinions on both sides. It reminds me of that Coffee Talk I wrote a few weeks ago. Fandroids vs. iSheep!!!

Anyway, check out the spot when you have a chance and kindly share your thoughts on this Samsung Galaxy S III commercial.

My 4 Favorite iOS 6 Features For iPad

I’ve been playing around with iOS 6 on my iPad 2012 for the last couple of hours and I’m pretty happy with the upgrade. On the iPad, there’s nothing revolutionary, but there are several additions that make the OS better. Some of these additions are long overdue and others are (seemingly) simple features that make the iOS experience that much more elegant. People that want things like widgets and other niceties found on Android will find iOS 6 disappointing, but that’s another issue entirely. Right now I’d like to go over my four favorite features of iOS 6 (so far) from an iPad user’s perspective.

1) Clock App: I always found it remarkably stupid that the iPad lacked a native clock app. After three versions of the iPad, Apple has finally deemed its tablet worthy of having its own clock. While third-party developers that sold clock apps will be disappointed, iPad users will be delighted. It’s a nice app that looks great and is very functional. It has a world clock, stopwatch, timer, and (thank Zeus!) an alarm.

2) Do Not Disturb: This is a fantastic addition to the iOS notifications center. Say you’re watching the latest Brazzers HBO Go video while being bombarded by text messages. The “do not disturb” function allows you to hit pause on the outside world and focus on the video. I remember this one time…a friend of mine was watching a Netflix video with a female companion in bed. In the middle of the movie, a Facebook notification popped up showing a flirtatious message from an old girlfriend. This caused problems for my friend. Had the “do not disturb” feature been in place back then, my friend would have avoided hours of questioning and fighting. Eliminating situations like that is the best reason for this feature.

3) Siri: There was never a good reason for Siri not to be on the iPad. Dumb excuses were made, but it was obvious that Apple wanted to use it as a selling point for the iPhone 4S. Siri has arrived on the iPad and it works just as well as it does on the 4S. Naturally, its usefulness can be debated. Personally, I like it a lot. It can be useful for certain types of reference and search. It can also be a fun, dumb time waster. Of course if you’re really lonely, Siri makes sure that you always have someone to talk to.

4) Improved Sharing: I love the way sharing is integrated into iOS 6. It just looks and works better. And yes, one of the reasons I included this feature was to continue my exploitation of Olivia Lisa Munn.

Anyway, those are my favorite iOS 6 features for iPad (so far). I’m going to put it on my phone and play with that for a bit. For now, please let me know if you’ve upgraded to iOS 6 and what you think of it so far.

PlayStation Plus Hits Vita in November 2012

At Tokyo Game Show 2012, Sony Computer Entertainment announced that the PlayStation Plus premium service will be available for PlayStation Vita. The service will be cross-platform, so existing PlayStation Plus members will be able to enjoy the benefits on their PS3 and Vita. Only one subscription is required for both or either platforms. Now it’s time for some press-release bullet-points (get excited!) that outline the benefits of Plus:

  • Games: Members will be able to play the full versions of designated content for PS Vita available on PlayStation Store as long as membership is effective, at no extra cost. The lineup of games that will be offered and other details will be announced at a later date.
  • Discounts: Members will have access to exclusive discounts on designated content for PS Vita.
  • Online Game Save: Members will automatically or manually be able to upload game save data files for compatible games to Online Game Save Storage with 1GB of space on the PlayStation Network.
  • Automatic content downloads and updates: PS Vita will automatically download designated game demos and game updates, and also download system software updates. PS Vita will automatically start up to download content and will enter standby mode after the download has completed.
  • Automatic Trophy sync: PS Vita will automatically start up at a designated time to sync Trophy information with PlayStation Network servers.

While the Vita is an impressive piece of hardware, the device has faced some difficulties. Many consumers are satisfied with the gaming experiences offered by their Android or iOS devices. Compounding matters is a lack of content for the device, which some argue is real and others argue is perceived. Either way, PlayStation Plus bolsters the Vita’s content offerings and capabilities. It’s a smart move that should inject some life into a platform that needs it. It makes the Vita more attractive to PS3 owners that are Plus members and don’t have a Vita, while it gives gamers that only own a Vita some outstanding benefits.

Does PlayStation Plus for Vita change your mind about Sony’s portable console?

The Hobbit Trailer #2

Here’s the second trailer for The Hobbit, directed by Peter Jackson. The clips looks beautiful, supporting the theory that sorcery exists in New Zealand. The brief action sequences look epic. The characterization appears charming, blending old favorites from The Lord of the Rings trilogy and new (old?) characters.

Are you ready for another jaunt in Middle-earth? Check out the trailer and let me know what you think (please!). Are you excited for The Hobbit?

PlayStation 3 Slimmer Coming in September

At Tokyo Game Show 2012, Sony Computer Entertainment unveiled a new and slimmer version of the PlayStation 3 console. The company claims that it’s smaller (volume) and lighter (weight) than the original PS3 by more than 50 percent. Compared to the PS3 “Slim,” this bad boy is 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter. Other distinct features include a ridged top (like Ruffles!) and a “sliding disk cover.” The 250GB model will be available as part of an Uncharted 3 bundle for $269.99 on September 25, 2012. The 500GB model hits on October 30, 2012 for $299.99.

One curiosity that won’t be coming to America is the 12GB flash storage model, which will be available in Europe for €229. Similar to Microsoft’s entry-level Xbox 360, this model has a limited amount of local storage but can be upgraded later through peripherals. It would have been fascinating to see Sony Computer Entertainment America give this model a whirl at a very aggressive price. Sadly, it’s not meant to be.

As for the hardware that we will be seeing in North America, are any of you down for Sony’s new PlayStation? What do you think of the looks of the PS3 Slimmer?

Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk Leave BioWare

I was sad to hear that Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk are leaving BioWare. The company is one of my all-time favorite videogame developers. I’m an ardent BioWare fan because of the company’s great games, but also because of the BioWare doctors. They’ve always been very good to me, and I’ve always appreciated their time, conversation, and tolerance for my idiocy. I’m excited that they’re pursuing new things, but I’m bummed that they’re leaving BioWare. The company won’t be the same without them.

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Football Heroes = Tecmo Bowl + Beat ‘Em Up + RPG

Ever wish you could play an arcade football game like Tecmo Bowl that was infused with beat-’em-up action and RPG elements? That’s exactly what you’ll be playing with Football Heroes. Being developed by Run Games, a studio founded in 2011 by EA veterans Nathan Lazur and Michael Marzola, the game is set for release on Android and iOS some time in November 2012. The studio is seeking additional funds through Kickstarter. Check out the pitch video below for more details on and some gameplay footage of Football Heroes.

The game looks pretty sweet. Like many of you, I’m a huge fan of arcade sports games like Tecmo Bowl and NBA Jam. I love the retro graphics and gameplay shown in the video. As an RPG nerd, the special attacks and stats appeal to me too. Any of you interested in contributing to Football Heroes by Run Games?