Coffee Talk #523: One Device to Rule Them All?

My friend Paul and I were talking about how tech geeks have done a 180 on the number of devices they want to carry. Ten years ago, it was all about finding one device that does everything. The digerati were tired of carrying a mobile phone, a PDA, a gaming system, etc. Fast forward to 2012 and that’s a very mainstream attitude to have. Millions of people are satisfied with their smartphone or tablet as their “one” device. Meanwhile, the geek chic have gone in the other direction…

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, Carsten Charles Sabathia’s excellent Yankee victory, Lady Gaga’s nipple, or your favorite iPhone 5 case, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

My friend Paul and I were talking about how tech geeks have done a 180 on the number of devices they want to carry. Ten years ago, it was all about finding one device that does everything. The digerati were tired of carrying a mobile phone, a PDA, a gaming system, etc. Fast forward to 2012 and that’s a very mainstream attitude to have. Millions of people are satisfied with their smartphone or tablet as their “one” device. Meanwhile, the geek chic have gone in the other direction.

While they’re in the minority (unless you live in San Francisco), tech nerds help set trends in mobile tech. They’re the tastemakers. These days, many of them travel with a notebook computer, a smartphone, a tablet, and a dedicated e-reader. Some of them even bring dedicated gaming systems, though it’s not as common these days given the rapid advancement in Android and iOS games. They’ve eschewed the “one device” philosophy in favor of multiple devices that excel at different things. Funny how it goes….

As for me, I find myself following the digerati. While I love my iPad 2012 (my usual “one” device) I plan on complementing it with a Kindle Paperwhite. I’m already dual-wielding phones with a Galaxy Nexus and an iPhone 5. If I’m hitting the road for a few days or more, my MacBook Pro has to come with me.

What kind of user are you? Do you prefer to travel with one device to rule them all? Or do you bring multiple devices if you’re going to be away from home/work for a stretch?

Sony Computer Entertainment America Sues Kevin Butler

Millions of gamers have been entertained by fictitious Sony executive Kevin Butler. The character has been used in dozens of fantastic PlayStation commercials and viral videos. It looks like the hilarious reign of Butler is over and will end in a legal squabble. Sony Computer Entertainment America has filed suit against Bridgestone Americas and Wildcat Creek, Inc. The president of Wildcat Creek is Jerry Lambert, the actor that portrays Kevin Butler.

The lawsuit is over a series of Bridgestone commercials. Lambert can be seen in the commercials and promotional materials, some of which feature the Nintendo Wii. Obviously Sony isn’t keen on having someone that is associated with its console seen with a competing system. VentureBeat received the following statement from Sony Computer Entertainment America’s Dan Race:

Sony Computer Entertainment America filed a lawsuit against Bridgestone and Wildcat Creek, Inc. on September 11. The claims are based on violations of the Lanham Act, misappropriation, breach of contract and tortious interference with a contractual relationship. We invested significant resources in bringing the Kevin Butler character to life and he’s become an iconic personality directly associated with PlayStation products over the years. Use of the Kevin Butler character to sell products other than those from PlayStation misappropriates Sony’s intellectual property, creates confusion in the market, and causes damage to Sony.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out. I will guess that Bridgestone and Wildcat Creek will claim that Lambert is playing a character that has nothing to do with Kevin Butler. Sony will claim that some consumers will be confused by Lambert appearing in commercials that use the Nintendo Wii as a prize; the argument is that many people only know Lambert as Kevin Butler and are not familiar with his other roles. Without knowing the details of Lambert’s contract and what kind of non-compete clauses in contains, it’s impossible to say (but it’s fun to speculate).

What do you think of Sony vs. Bridgestone and Wildcat Creek? On a surface level, do you think Sony has a case? Will you miss Kevin Butler hocking PlayStation goods?

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The Unfinished Swan Hits PSN on October 23

Giant Sparrow has announced that The Unfinished Swan will be available on PlayStation Network on October 23, 2012. PlayStation Plus members will be able to download the game a week early, getting access on October 16, 2012. As many of you know, this was my favorite game of E3 2012. It’s creative, inventive, and beautiful to watch. While I’m uncertain of its mass appeal, The Unfinished Swan is perfect for people that like “artistic” games. I hope you guys and gals give this one a shot. It’s different and refreshing. I’m confident that the game will do well with critics, but I hope lots of people buy it. In a world full of balls, guns, and sequels, The Unfinished Swan stands out.

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Adele’s James Bond 007 “Skyfall” Song

Here’s Adele’s “Skyfall” song for the upcoming James Bond 007 of the same name. It features her famous timbre and signature runs while also paying homage to songs from the previous Bond movies. Give the track a listen and let me know what you think (please!). Continue reading “Adele’s James Bond 007 “Skyfall” Song”

Today’s Poll: Adobe Flash and You

Adobe Flash has a mixed reputation. Some people find it a vital part of the Internet experience. Others think that it’s an annoyance that slows down system performance and drains battery life. Then there are people that install Flash on their web browsers and just don’t care. How do you guys and gals use Adobe Flash with your web browsers? Kindly vote in today’s poll and expand on your answer in the comments section.

As for me, Flash is an on-demand feature. I don’t use it with Firefox or Safari. It’s baked into Chrome, but I don’t use it unless I have to. For most sites, it’s treated as a “Click to Play” feature. There are some exceptions, like this site, where I always leave it on, but for the most part I try not to use Flash unless I have to.

Now it’s your turn! Please vote and tell me about your Adobe Flash usage habits.

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What Are You Playing This Weekend?

The last two weeks have been a little rough, so I’m looking to play simple games that make me feel good. First up is Civilization: Revolution for iPad, because conquering the world over and over again cheers me up. Next up is Outernauts. I’m done with all the quests that have been released, so it’s all about finding and training rare monsters. Right now my Golden Scyke and Bizaur need some leveling up. It’s gratifying watching them learn new attacks and become more powerful. Hours and hours of these two games will help me reset my mindset so that I can rock next week. Let’s do it!

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

Ichiro Suzuki’s Nerd Chic Baseball Bat Case

Like many great athletes, New York Yankees outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is a creature of habit. One of his nerdiest habits is the way he takes case of his baseball bats. It makes total sense — of course one of the greatest hitters in MLB history takes pristine care of his bats. Tech nerds will appreciate the great lengths Ichiro goes to in order to make sure his bats are protected from excess moisture. Here’s more from The New York Times:

While most players dump their bats in cylindrical canvas bags when they are not using them, Suzuki neatly stacks his best eight bats inside a shockproof, moisture-free black case that he keeps close by his locker at home and on the road.

The case, which looks like a mini trunk, not only protects the bats from jostling and banging during transports, it also serves as a dehumidifier, drawing moisture out of the bats during the hot, humid American summers.

For Suzuki, a preeminent scientist in the field of hitting, regulating the amount of moisture in his bat is critical to the touch and feel of it. A hard, dry bat with just the right amount of water content has helped Suzuki become one of the best hitters in the game.

I’ve been an Ichiro fan since his Seattle Mariners days. His obsessive and technologically-charged bat care makes me an even bigger fan of his. Honestly though, I’m surprised that this isn’t done by every baseball player (except for Adam Dunn, who will swing at a baseball with anything he can get his hands on regardless of its condition). Wood is a finicky substance and its properties can be drastically altered by changes in humidity. I’m sure that traveling musicians like RPadholic N8R know what I’m talking about; I’ve felt how humidity can change the feel of guitars first hand. Many people consider Ichiro a surgical hitter. Naturally, his precision hitting requires his tools to be in tip-top shape at all times. Props to Ichiro for nerding up his bat care!

Source via Daring Fireball

Watch Debates on Xbox Live, Get Halo 4 Warrior Armor Avatar

Did you watch last night’s presidential debate through Xbox Live? If you’re a Halo fan then you should have, because you’ll have the chance to win the Halo 4 warrior armor avatar. In a clever marketing ploy, Microsoft is giving away the avatar to one of its most popular games to Xbox Live members that watch three out of the four debates through Xbox Live’s election 2012 hub. It’s a cool way to get young people interested in the election.

The offer is available to Xbox Live Gold members only. For full details, check out Major Nelson’s post on the promo.

What do you think of Microsoft using its most popular videogame franchise to get people to watch the presidential and vice presidential debates? Are you going to watch the future debates through Xbox Live to get some sweet Halo 4 duds for your dolly avatar?

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Mariah Carey vs. Nicki Minaj on American Idol

I knew that putting two batsh*t-crazy women on the American Idol judging panel was a good idea! Here’s a video of Nicki Minaj cursing out Mariah Carey during the American Idol audtions in Charlotte, North Carolina (aka Ric Flair country). Minaj was pretty intense and her tirade featured an impressive curse-words-per-minute ratio. Carey tried to play it cool, dismissing Minaj’s behavior as childish. If these two are having problems during auditions, I can’t wait to see what they get up to during the big shows. They’re a live TV disaster waiting to happen! Love it!!!

McKayla Maroney is Impressed With Hart of Dixie

The adorable and not-easily-impressed McKayla Maroney is making her acting debut in Hart of Dixie. For those of you not familiar with the show, it’s a Rachel Bilson drama/comedy on The CW. McKayla will be playing Tanya, Rose Hattenbarger’s best friend on the show. While she has acting aspirations, Maroney noted that she’s not done with her gymnastics career. Check out the full Access Hollywood interview below for all the details, including why she and her Olympic teammates are cooler than Justin Bieber. Continue reading “McKayla Maroney is Impressed With Hart of Dixie”