Coffee Talk #563: Apple as Console King?

Last week, Polygon posted a fantastic article full of juicy quotes from Valve co-founder Gabe Newell. Here are a few choice lines:

I think Apple rolls the console guys really easily.

The biggest challenge is that Apple moves on the living room before the PC industry sort of gets its act together.

The quotes got a ton of play on the Internetz, but I didn’t spend too much time thinking or talking about them…because Newell’s stance didn’t seem debatable to me. I think he’s right and his (greatly respected) opinions are obvious. However, RPadholic N8R suggested…more

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Los Angeles Clippers floundering without Chris Paul, Verve’s Ethiopia Birhanu, or overdosing on Kevin Smith commentaries (and loving it), Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Last week, Polygon posted a fantastic article full of juicy quotes from Valve co-founder Gabe Newell. Here are a few choice lines:

I think Apple rolls the console guys really easily.

The biggest challenge is that Apple moves on the living room before the PC industry sort of gets its act together.

The quotes got a ton of play on the Internetz, but I didn’t spend too much time thinking or talking about them…because Newell’s stance didn’t seem debatable to me. I think he’s right and his (greatly respected) opinions are obvious. However, RPadholic N8R suggested that the topic would generate some fun discussion, so I’ll defer to him. Let’s do this!

Apple has done a phenomenal job selling iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs. Those products have become more than phones, tablets, and streaming-video players. They’re multifaceted devices that are “lifestyle” products. So Newell is absolutely right about Apple being in millions of living rooms. He’s also right about Apple having a huge opportunity to displace traditional console gaming. The question is whether Apple will try to shake up and dominate that business the way it did with smartphones and tablets.

When Steve Jobs ran Apple, I would have bet against it. Under Jobs, Apple had a strange relationship with gaming. At times it seemed like the company didn’t understand it. At other times, it almost seemed like the company was afraid of it. It will be interesting to see how Apple approaches gaming under Tim Cook. He seems more flexible than his predecessor and more willing to venture into territory that has been historically foreign to the company.

I have no doubt that gaming will become a bigger part of Apple’s future, but I have no idea how the company will approach the field. It could continue to make iOS gaming bigger and bigger, enhancing the experience through AirPlay. Handheld consoles are already hurting because of the rapidly improving iOS gaming market. It’s conceivable that Apple will continue to foster iOS gaming growth so that it cuts into home consoles.

Or the company could be more aggressive on the hardware front with Apple TV or the mythical Apple television set. Imagine a more powerful Apple TV with visually-impressive games that are controlled with iPhones and iPads. In the immortal words of John Lennon, “It’s easy if you try.”

Ultimately, I don’t think Apple will take on Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony head-on. That’s not what the company does. It successfully played its own game with smartphones and tablets, and I see it doing the same with gaming. Will that be enough to make it console king?

What do you think of Newell’s statements about Apple possibly rolling the big console companies? Can you imagine a world where Apple rules living-room gaming?

Vaping Diaries #36: Innokin iTaste SVD Preview

The iTaste SVD arrived at RPad.TV headquarters today and I was psyched to check out Innokin’s latest mod. The SVD is a variable-voltage and variable-wattage tube mod made from stainless steel. Here’s a first impressions preview of the mod.

Like the iTaste MVP, the SVD kit is fairly complete; it comes with the mod, an extra tube for larger batteries, two iClear 30 clearomizers, three clearomizer replacement coils, and the instruction manuals (one for the mod and one for the clearos).

What the SVD doesn’t come with, is batteries. It can accept batteries ranging from 18350 to 18650. For my initial testing, I used an 18490 battery. To get the full range of voltage and wattage, Innokin recommends stacking two 18350 batteries. Speaking of which, the SVD can be adjusted from 3.3 to 6.0 volts in increments of 0.1 volts. For variable wattage, it has a range of 3.0 to 15.0 watts that can be adjusted in increments of 0.5 watts.

Since it’s made from stainless steel, the SVD has a nice heft to it. Even though I was using a relatively small 18490 battery (most of my mods are 18650), the SVD had a substantial feel. Of course personal preference plays into this. Generally speaking, I like tube mods that have a nice weight to them. If you like lighter mods, then perhaps something like the Ovale eVic is a better choice.

Using the SVD is fairly easy. There are three button: the firing button, a plus button, and a minus button. Using different button combinations activates the device’s features. Here’s a rundown:

  • Firing Button x 3: Power on or power off the device
  • Plus Button: Increase voltage or wattage
  • Minus Button: Decrease voltage or wattage
  • Firing Button + Minus Button: Hold for three seconds to activate variable-voltage mode
  • Firing Button + Plus Button: Hold for three seconds to activate variable-wattage mode
  • Plus Button + Minus Button: Hold for two seconds to check resistance (ohms)
  • Plus Button or Minus Button: Hold for three seconds to check battery capacity

I’ve only spent a few hours using the iTaste and SVD, but my first impression is pretty positive. It has a nice feel, it produces a satisfying vape, it’s easy to use, and the kit is relatively complete. I’ll be putting it through its paces, so stay tuned for a full review.

Today’s Poll: PEDs in Sports

Performance-enhancing drugs have been part of sports for decades, though the problem has become more scientifically advanced in the last 20 years. The big uproar started in baseball, with Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds launching home runs to the moon (and breaking cherished records) with the help of performance enhancers. More recently, Alex Rodriguez has been accused of cheating, after he supposedly stopped using steroids. While MLB has a better drug testing program than most sports, the pharmacists seem to be several steps ahead of the commissioner.

The PED issue is a concern in multiple sports. Boxer Juan Manuel Marquez became incredibly ripped at age 39, with the help of a known steroid coach; he showed new knockout power on his way to demolishing Manny Pacquiao. Cyclist Lance Armstrong finally admitted medicinally-enhanced cheating that enabled him to win multiple Tour de France titles. At age 37, Super Bowl champion Ray Lewis recovered from a torn triceps in 10 weeks — an injury that normally takes six months to deal with.

In some cases, the cheaters have been caught. In others, the athletes are merely suspected cheaters. For some fans, drugs have tarnished modern sports, while others feel that they’re just part of today’s game. How do you feel about the matter?

[poll id=”175″]

Bill Simmons wrote an outstanding column on PEDs in sports and how the issue isn’t really being dealt with. He wrote, “I don’t even know what I am watching anymore.” And while the issue is quite complicated, it can really be summed up in that one sentence for many sports fans.

While performance-enhancing drugs are rapidly becoming more advanced, the governing bodies of most major sports are moving at a much slower pace. Let’s use boxing as an example. Most drug testing is handled by state commissions and a simple urine test is used. Organizations like VADA have exponentially more advanced techniques that cover a wide array of performance enhancers, yet most fights use tests that are easily beat. Off the top of my head, I only know of one boxer (Nonito Donaire) that subjects himself to random VADA testing 365 days a year. VADA is great for the sport and is relatively inexpensive, but due to politics and greed it isn’t being used for more fights.

Then there are the sports journalists. The issue of PEDs is covered every now and then, but it’s often handled with a gentle touch. On one hand, writers and broadcast journalists don’t want to offend the people and sports that they’re covering. Losing access would make their jobs incredibly difficult. On the other hand, the issue is arguably so big that more journalists should be doing more to help clean up sports.

Some fans dismiss modern PEDs as simple evolution. They point to the fact that many hall-of-fame athletes used amphetamines, commonly called “greenies,” from the ’60s on. They believe that steroids and HGH are modern-day tools that athletes use to get an edge, no different from the use of greenies back in the day.

Others feel that advanced medicine has tainted sports. Like Simmons wrote, many fans feel, “I don’t even know what I am watching anymore.” Cynical fans believe that most athletes cheat and that modern sports are tarnished.

I’d love to hear your take on the issue. Kindly vote in today’s poll and leave a comment with your view on PEDs in today’s sports.

 

This Week’s Videogame Releases

There are a bunch of videogame goodies available for your consumption this week. Sly Cooper makes his long-awaited return in Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. As a mark for the series and the character, I’m really looking forward to that one. Dead Space 3 has some fans excited, though others are concerned about the latest installment being more about action than survival-horror. 3DS fans looking for a good RPG should be pleased as punch with Fire Emblem Awakening. Last, but not least, is a game that’s perfect for fans of fighting and manga: Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

Coffee Talk #562: Your Favorite Super Bowl 2013 Commercials

It began as a blowout, but Super Bowl XLVII ended up being a pretty exciting game. Sports and sports-related matters aside, I want to hear about the Super Bowl 2013 commercials that impressed you. To be completely honest, I was trying to edit video and watch the game at the same time. I’m positive that I missed a bunch of cool spots. If something nerdy came up, I paid attention. If a sexy woman was in a commercial, I paid extra attention. Here are the fun spots that I remember seeing, but…more

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, wrapping your head around Redfoo and Vika’s relationship, Metta World Peace throwing left hooks at The Palace, or noticing David Otunga at the Super Bowl, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

It began as a blowout, but Super Bowl XLVII ended up being a pretty exciting game. Sports and sports-related matters aside, I want to hear about the Super Bowl 2013 commercials that impressed you. To be completely honest, I was trying to edit video and watch the game at the same time. I’m positive that I missed a bunch of cool spots. If something nerdy came up, I paid attention. If a sexy woman was in a commercial, I paid extra attention. Here are the fun spots that I remember seeing, but I’m counting on you to fill me in on what I missed or don’t remember.

Soda Stream: This spot was initially rejected by CBS. The network didn’t want to piss off Coke and Pepsi. Soda Stream aired a softer ad, but I wanted to make sure you saw the original. The ad itself is okay, but Soda Stream’s problems with “The Man” makes me want to buy one…and I don’t really drink soda at home.

Iron Man 3: The first two-thirds of the ad were underwhelming and I still have doubts about Ben Kingsley’s Mandarin, but the commercial ends with a thrilling flight sequence.

Star Trek: Into the Darkness: I’m so, so amped for this movie, but I was slightly disappointed in the commercial. I want more Alice Eve! She’s totally dreamy.

Best Buy/Amy Poehler: This is a cute spot featuring a wonderful comedian. Part of the reason it’s funny is because she asks silly questions that some people actually ask at Best Buy.

Motorola/Megan Fox: Remember that 2010 Motorola spot that had Megan Fox in a bathtub? The company went back to the well…and I’m totally cool with that. I could spend hours (possibly days) watching Megan Fox taking a bath.

Samsung/Seth Rogen/Paul Rudd: If watching Megan Fox taking a bath isn’t a possibility, I’d love to hang out and chat with these masters of bromantic comedy. Of course they’re a distant second (like another galaxy distant) to Ms. Fox.

Oreo Whisper Fight: I love how this silly argument starts with a whisper and ends in utter chaos. For various reasons, it reminded me of ECW shows that I attended in Queens. Good times.

Now it’s your turn! Please share your favorite Super Bowl 2013 commercials in the comments section.

Vaping Diaries #35: Sancia Smoke / Nashville Vapor Review

The e-liquid reviews continue with three Sancia Smoke juices. Available from Nashville Vapor, these e-liquids are “made in the USA from premium USA ingredients.” This review covers Watermelon Man, Varilla, and Old Time Root Beer. One of the juices was very good, one had a good taste that was somewhat ruined by an overpowering smell, and one was kind of flat. Here’s the breakdown.

Watermelon Man: First off, it was impossible for me to vape this juice without thinking of the Herbie Hancock song. That aside, this one surprised me. I usually prefer really natural-tasting fruit e-liquids. Watermelon Man isn’t quite natural, but isn’t obnoxiously sweet like most “candy” watermelon juices. It tastes similar to Arizona Watermelon and beverages like that. It’s a nice, smooth blend with the right amount of sweetness for an all-day vape. This was easily my favorite of the three.

Varilla: This is a nice mix of banana, vanilla, and cream, with a flaw that almost ruins the overall experience. The taste reminded me of Now & Later and Laffy Taffy candies. I’m usually not big on candy-flavored juices, but I enjoyed the taste of this e-liquid. Unfortunately, the good taste was accompanied by a strong, perfumey smell. There were times I wanted to vape more Varilla, but the smell was bothering me. I haven’t encountered a juice like that — very strange.

Old Time Root Beer: This tasted more like a root beer candy rather than a gourmet root beer. I definitely prefer the latter. I enjoy root beer e-liquids that combine sweetness with spiciness and complexity. Backwoods Brew’s Root Beer does this superbly. This juice tasted flat to me. People that dig those root beer barrel candies will probably like this juice. Those that like root beer with a bite probably won’t.

Vaping Diaries #34: Vape Dudes Review

Here’s a review of three of the most popular flavors from Vape Dudes: Buttery Nipple, Mocha Java Drizzle, and Orange Cream. Vape Dudes’ e-liquids are made-to-order and come in plastic drip-tip bottles. This is a great company for new vapers or people looking to experiment with flavors, since the company offers a 40-percent discount to new customers. As for these particular flavors, I totally see why two of them are popular, but was disappointed in one. Here’s the breakdown.

Buttery Nipple: This is a great e-liquid for vapers with a sweet tooth. The butterscotch flavor is very strong and is complemented with a touch of cream. Although the web site shows a picture of the popular buttery nipple shot, I didn’t get any alcohol from this juice at all. If that’s the kind of thing you’re looking for, I suggest Pink Spot Vapor’s Butter Rum Lifesaver. Out of the three juices covered in this review, this was easily my favorite — very sweet and very delicious.

Mocha Java Drizzle: This is a great choice for fans of sweet coffee drinks, like those popular Frappuccino and Macchiato drinks at Starbucks. If you’re a fan of “real” coffee then this might be too sweet for you. The coffee taste is definitely there, but the chocolate and caramel flavors are more pronounced. As some of you know, I’m a total coffee nerd, but I understand why those Starbucks drinks are so popular. This juice is a nice approximation of those popular beverages.

Orange Cream: Here’s Vape Dudes’ take on the popular creamsicle flavor. I’ve had quite a few creamsicle e-liquids from other vendors and this wasn’t one of the better ones. The cream flavor is good, but the orange was a bit artificial and the flavors didn’t quite blend together. Some people describe this juice as having a “tinny” taste and I see what that mean. To me, it has an aftertaste reminiscent of children’s aspirin. It’s not a horrible juice, but there are much better creamsicle choices out there.

Steeping Notes

Buttery Nipple
50/50 PG/VG Ratio, 6mg nictone
Uncapped: December 3, 2012 6:08PM
Recapped: December 5, 2012 6:56PM
Vaped: January 15-31, 2013

Mocha Java Drizzle
50/50 PG/VG Ratio, 6mg nictone
Uncapped: December 3, 2012 6:08PM
Recapped: December 5, 2012 6:56PM
Vaped: January 15-31, 2013

Orange Cream
50/50 PG/VG Ratio, 6mg nictone
Uncapped: December 3, 2012 6:08PM
Recapped: December 5, 2012 6:56PM
Vaped: January 15-31, 2013

Your Super Bowl XLVII Predictions

Super Bowl XLVII is nearly here! From the birthplace of jazz, Gambit’s old stomping grounds, and the place where RPadholic smartguy terrorizes his fellow accountants, millions of people are expecting a great game. How do you think it’ll go down? Kindly share your predictions, spreads, and all that good stuff in the comments section. Also, please let me know what commercials you’re looking forward to. Anyone else find it strange that several companies have released teaser trailers for their Super Bowl commercials? Have these things become so big that they need to be teased? Jeez.

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

After a fun week at NAMM 2013, it’s good to be home and settled. Unfortunately, I’m way behind on my vaping e-liquid reviews. The juices have been vaped, but I need to film and edit a bunch of reviews. More hardware and juices are on the way, so I need clear out my backlog. So I’ll be spending a large chunk of the weekend doing that. Of course I’ll be gaming, but it’ll mostly be tablet stuff like Civilization Revolution on my iPad and Tai Pan on my Nexus 7.

How about you? What’s on your weekend playlist?

PlayStation 4 Being Announced on February 20?

Sony Computer Entertainment America released a teaser video for an event on February 20, 2013. Most pundits expect the company to unveil the first details on the PlayStation 4 console. What do you think? What do you want from Sony and its next console? In honor of those silly flame wars we used to enjoy together on G4tv’s The Feed, “Fore!!!” Continue reading “PlayStation 4 Being Announced on February 20?”