A pair of images of what’s purported to be the PlayStation 4 Dual Shock controller have leaked. The one below is from Destructoid and the one above is from NeoGAF. Both images show a touch sensor between the d-pad and face buttons, a feature that has been rumored for several weeks. The Destructoid image looks more legit, as the controller can be seen in front of a development kit. The GAF image has the controller on a plain background, which has some people doubting it’s authenticity.
Other features include what appears to be a microphone grille and redesigned analog sticks. The former feature seemed inevitable, but I’m a bit wary of the latter. I’ve always loved the feel of Dual Shock controllers and I’m concerned that the new analog sticks could be a change for the worse. The sticks could also be the hotness, but it appears that they’ll feel more like Xbox 360 analogs than the classic Dual Shock analogs I prefer.
Sony Computer Entertainment is expected to reveal PlayStation 4 details on February 20, so it will only be a few days until these photos are proven to be legit or not. For now, let’s talk about the design. What do you think of the touch sensor? Do you see any interesting gameplay applications for it? How about the microphone? Are you excited or worried about the new analog sticks? Leave your PS4 Dual Shock thoughts in the comments section (please!).
Wargaming, the makers of the popular free-to-play World of Tanks and World of Warplanes, has announced an agreement to buy Gas Powered Games, the creators of Demigod, Dungeon Siege, and Supreme Commander. Gas Powered Games recently made some news with its Kickstarter pitch for Wildman. The beleaguered company was facing financial issues and had to let several employees go to stay afloat, while its fate was in the hands of Kickstarter. Gas Powered Games CEO and founder Chris Taylor posted a teary and heartfelt video explaining the situation. Thankfully, the company was able to find a financial backer in Wargaming.
Now here’s the part with all the quotes! Let’s start with with the excellent Chris Taylor:
Wargaming growth in recent years has been tremendous, and we’re looking forward to joining one of the fastest growing gaming companies in the world. I’m sure our experience and expertise will help us contribute even more to Wargaming’s global success.
Gas Powered Games’ heritage and development pedigree shows us just how valuable an addition Chris and his company will make to the Wargaming family. Gas Powered Games has a long track record of providing incredibly engaging AAA gaming experiences and we can’t wait to start working with them.
I’m thrilled that Gas Powered Games was able to find a solution. Hopefully, the developer will be able to rehire everyone that was released. And hopefully the partnership is everything the company needs and wants. I’m a huge fan of the Gas Powered Games and, especially, Chris Taylor.
On the other side of the deal, it’s interesting watching Wargaming move and shake. The company’s purchases include Day 1 Studios and BigWorld Technology. All signs point to bigger and better things from Wargaming, including a console invasion (presumably full of tanks and warplanes).
Now here’s the part where I’m supposed to make a joke about the Belarusian company’s acquisitions being backed by Russian mob money…but I’m much too afraid of the consequences.
Nat Brown, one of the founders of Microsoft’s Xbox project, posted a long and excellent rant on the Xbox’s shortcomings. He believes that there are major issues with the system’s user experience and the company’s relationship with independent developers. He believes that these issues are why the Xbox is, “going to lose on in the living room battle with Android & iOS.” I highly recommend giving it a read. Here’s an excerpt:
So, because these two critical issues — user expereince and indie content — are not nearly in order and I see big investments in future interactive content happening, as well as idiotic moves to limit used games or put harder content protection into place than exists in mobile or tablets — i predict massive failure and losses here. And it makes me sad. Because it just doesn’t have to fail, even though it has been punted around poorly for 5 years. xBox just needs somebody with a brain and focus to get the product in order tactically before romping forward to continue the long-term strategic promise of an xBox in every living room, connected to every screen.
I’d love to hear your take on Brown’s argument. While I agree that iOS offers a generally superior user experience than Xbox, I was surprised to see him stress the importance of indie content. While I love and appreciate indie games, so many people — both within the business and consumers in general — pay more attention to the Call of Duties, Maddens, etc. I’m thrilled when developers like Giant Sparrow (The Unfinished Swan) and thatgamecompany (Journey) succeed, but I’m also not sure how big a part companies like that play in determining the future of the industry. Sometimes I get the (sad) feeling that people that write about games care exponentially more about indie developers than Joe Gamer does.
Kindly share your thoughts on Nat Brown’s post when you have a chance.
The SIMPLcase Kickstarter project recently caught my eye. This iPhone 5 cover holds three Nano SIMs and a SIM removal tool, making it a fantastic solution for iPhone 5 users that travel around the world and need to quickly switch Nano SIMs (or people that use other numbers to hide their dirty laundry). The back of the case has a slot that accepts a standard credit card or frequent flyer card, allowing the iPhone 5 to stand up in horizontal and vertical orientations. Best of all, at $14 the SIMPLEcase is affordable as well as functional. Check out the video below for more details.
Hopefully the product works as advertised, because the idea is fantastic. I’m surprised that this kind of case doesn’t already exist and pleased to see someone giving it a shot on Kickstarter. It looks like the perfect case for iPhone 5 owners that frequently travel internationally.
Any of you interested in backing SIMPLcase? What do you think of the product’s design?
For the last few months, I’ve been using two side-fill tanks from Valley View Vapes: the polypropylene 5ml Triple V Jumbo and the pyrex 7ml Triple V Sidewinder. Both tanks are high-quality products sold at relatively low prices ($9.99 and $34.99, respectively). They’re backed by great customer service and there’s a fun community based around these tanks. I’d definitely recommend either of them to any vaper, but there are some distinct differences that could make one a better choice for you. Cue the Degeneration-X music as I break it down.
Why Polypropylene and Pyrex?
A lot of the tanks available on the market are made from polycarbonate. Some e-liquids — cinnamon and citrus flavors, in particular — can cause polycarbonate tanks to crack. Polycarbonate tanks can also retain flavor, making them a poor choice for people that like to try different e-liquids. Both polypropylene and pyrex can stand up to cinnamon and citrus flavors. While polypropylene doesn’t retain flavor, it can retain smells. Pyrex doesn’t retain either. For most vaping situations, I prefer pyrex — it looks great and is easy to maintain. That said, I usually bring a polypropylene tank with me if there’s a chance I’ll be really drunk (I’m a clumsy drunk). Both of these tanks are durable, but like any glass, the pyrex tank can crack if it’s abused. While I don’t think it looks as nice as its pyrex cousin, the polypro tank can take a beating.
Why Use a Side-fill Hole?
The obvious answer is that it’s easier to fill. The polypropylene tank has a small fill hole. It’s a snap to use with a syringe. The pyrex tank has a bigger refill hole, which I like better. It’s big enough for most dripper caps and dripper bottles. Many longtime vapers find refilling standard tanks a snap, but side-fill holes can be advantageous for them too. When you refill a standard tank, you cause the grommets or caps to wear. The side-fill hole helps grommets and caps last longer.
Silicone Grommets vs. Aluminum caps
Each has advantages and disadvantages. The grommets hold the cartomizer snuggly, making them a good choice for people that pocket their vaping devices. They’re also cheap to replace. The one issue I have with grommets is that they can retain the smell of fragrant e-liquids. It took a long vodka soak and a lot of rinsing to remove the W&A Sasparilla smell from my grommets. Since the grommets are close to your nose when you vape, having a fragrance that’s very different from what you’re tasting can be a disconcerting experience.
Aluminum caps are more expensive, but most people think that they look better and it’s easier to slide cartomizers into them. Unlike the grommets, they don’t retain odor. However, they also don’t hold cartos as snuggly. People that place their vaping devices in their pockets or purses need to be mindful of the cartomizer sliding around. Personally, I prefer the caps, but I appreciate what the grommets offer (especially when I’m being a clumsy drunk).
Bottom Line
Both of these tanks are superior products that are cheaper than the competition. For $9.99, it’s hard to beat the 5ml Triple V Jumbo. It’s a durable tank that can handle any juice you throw at it (though I don’t recommend throwing juice at your tanks). If you can swing it, I recommend spending a little more on the pyrex tank with aluminum caps. It’s also a durable product that can handle all kinds of juices, but has a nicer look and feel. The glass is easy to wash and maintain, while the caps make changing cartomizers a cinch.
If you have questions about either product, head on over to the Valley View Vapes web site and submit a question to Ray. He’s one of the best vendors out there and provides outstanding customer service.
Sony Computer Entertainment American posted a sweet video on the motion-capture sessions for God of War: Ascension. The clip features developers, actors, directors, and writers from the game. It’s a great behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the cutscenes of a big-budget videogame. You’ll get to see the actors play out a scene and see how the game’s animators use the performance. The only puzzling thing about the video is that actress Jennifer Hale found the mo-cap suit — you know, the black jumpsuit with all those little balls — funny. Dang…that’s what I wear for sleeping.
Anyway, check out the vid and let me know what you think (please!).
Bungie has announced that new details on its upcoming game, Destiny, will be unveiled on February 17, 2013. The game is a space shooter purported to have a deep and fleshed out universe (you know, for sequel purposes). The news was announced on Destiny’s social media pages. Here are the links to the game’s official pages so that you can follow it using the social media service that tickles your fancy:
As for the game itself, isn’t it crazy that Bungie is developing a space shooter?!? Just kidding…. Seriously though, are you amped for the company’s next action game? Do you think it can reach Halo-like heights? What do you expect and what do you want from Destiny? Kindly share your feelings (like a Care Bear) in the comments section!
(For the record, I think “Bootylicious” should be the game’s official song, because I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.)
Luxury phone maker Vertu has launched the Ti collection, the company’s first Android phones. For a bit more than $10,000 you get a handmade phone with the following features:
Made from grade five titanium
Handmade in England by a single craftsman (each phone signed by the craftsman)
3.7-inch sapphire crystal screen
Bang & Olufsen symphonic sound
Dual-core 1.7GHz processor
64GB of internal storage
Sadly, the phone doesn’t have an LTE radio, but does feature HSPA+ connectivity. It also runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), rather than the newer Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean).
While it’s pretty awesome that there’s a luxury Android phone that’s assembled by hand by single craftsmen (as opposed to hundreds of factory workers), the Vertu Ti isn’t something for mere mortals. It looks like the kind of product that celebrities gift each other. However, if you or someone you know can afford it, please consider an RPad.TV donation. :p
What do you think of the Vertu Ti? If you won the lottery tomorrow, would you buy one? Personally, I’d rather pay someone to hunt down Wolverine, scrape the adamantium from his bones, and use it to coat my Nexus 4.
Here’s the second trailer for Pixar’s upcoming Monsters University. The movie tells the tale of how James P. Sullivan (Sully) and Mike Wazowski met in college. As a total mark for Monsters, Inc., I’m super looking forward to this film. Monsters, Inc. is my second-favorite Pixar movie and, despite its success, I believe it’s woefully underrated. Its combination of humor, charm, and heart is incredible.
The trailer covers the first meeting of the two monsters and shows how they were rivals in college. Prime gags include a snail monster trying to get to class at a glacial pace, a monster dorm party, and a monster football game. The trailer gets bonus points for using Motley Crue’s “Kickstart My Heart.” While I didn’t get a sense of the movie’s “heart,” the humor looks fantastic, the animation looks superb, and I’m sure I’ll get warm fuzzies after watching it. It is a Pixar film, after all.
Please check out the Monsters University trailer when you have a chance and let me know what you think!
Sega’s Aliens: Colonial Marines is this week’s big videogame release. People love space shooters. People love Aliens. Ergo, this game has a lot of people amped. In other Sega news, Sonic and pals drive through multiple console systems in Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed. The cover of the game has Sonic in a race car. I’m pretty sure he can run faster than a car, so I don’t know why he’s in it, but the kids seem to love it.
